Legislature(2013 - 2014)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/17/2014 01:30 PM Senate JUDICIARY
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB187 | |
| SB201 | |
| SB170 | |
| SB176 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 201 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 187 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 170 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 176 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE JUDICIARY STANDING COMMITTEE
March 17, 2014
1:32 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator John Coghill, Chair
Senator Fred Dyson
Senator Donald Olson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Lesil McGuire, Vice Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 187
"An Act relating to the crime of endangering the welfare of a
child in the second degree; relating to the crime of misconduct
involving confidential information in the first degree; amending
Rule 16(d)(3), Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; and providing
for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 187(JUD) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 201
"An Act relating to the crime of trespass."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 170
"An Act relating to a defense to the crime of prostitution for
victims of sex trafficking."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 176
"An Act relating to the regulation of firearms and knives by the
University of Alaska."
- HEARD & HEL
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar
WILLIAM GRANGER
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
Commission of Judicial Conduct
MARC W. JUNE
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 187
SHORT TITLE: CHILD WELFARE; CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) COGHILL
02/21/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/21/14 (S) JUD
03/12/14 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/12/14 (S) Heard & Held
03/12/14 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
03/14/14 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/14/14 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/17/14 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 201
SHORT TITLE: CRIMINAL TRESPASS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) STEDMAN
02/24/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/24/14 (S) JUD
03/17/14 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 170
SHORT TITLE: AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE TO PROSTITUTION
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) GARDNER
02/12/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/12/14 (S) JUD
03/14/14 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/14/14 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/17/14 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 176
SHORT TITLE: REG. OF FIREARMS/KNIVES BY UNIVERSITY
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) COGHILL
02/14/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/14/14 (S) JUD
03/03/14 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/03/14 (S) Heard & Held
03/03/14 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
03/05/14 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/05/14 (S) Heard & Held
03/05/14 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
03/10/14 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/10/14 (S) Heard & Held
03/10/14 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
03/14/14 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/14/14 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/17/14 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
RYNNIEVA MOSS, Staff
Senator John Coghill
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information related to SB 187 on
behalf of the sponsor.
SENATOR BERT STEDMAN
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 201.
CAPTAIN BURKE WALDRON, Operations Commander
Alaska State Troopers
Division of Alaska Wildlife Troopers
Department of Public Safety
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information related to SB 201.
QUINLAN STEINER, Director
Public Defender Agency
Department of Administration
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to SB 201.
SENATOR BERTA GARDNER
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 170.
STEVEN HANDY, Intern
Senator Berta Gardner
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 170 on behalf of the sponsor.
ROBIN RICHARDSON, Urban Justice Center
New York City
New York
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information related to SB 170.
JESSICA EMERSON, Staff
Equal Justice Works Fellow
Women's Law Center of Maryland
Towson, Maryland
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 170.
PATRICK VENTGEN, representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified that SB 170 is a good start.
MAXINE DOOGAN
Community United for Safety and Protection
California
POSITION STATEMENT: Offered suggestions to improve SB 170.
TARA RUPANI, Member
Community United for Safety and Protection
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 170 as a child
trafficking victim.
DIANA BLINE, Director
Program Services
Covenant House Alaska
Arizona
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in strong support of SB 170.
KAYT SUNWOOD, representing herself
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 170.
JEAN RICHEY, Ph.D., Professor
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in strong support of SB 170 and
expressed hope that the language would be made stronger.
DAVID POPPE, representing himself
Nenana, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 170.
KEYANA MARSHALL, representing herself
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 170.
ALBERT JUDSON, representing himself
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 176.
SHAUNA THORNTON, Speaker
Coalition of Student Leaders
Kenai Peninsula College
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 176.
MICHAEL MANCILL, representing himself
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Stated support for SB 176 and reservation
that it would allow guns in dorms.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:32:58 PM
CHAIR JOHN COGHILL called the Senate Judiciary Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Dyson, Olson, and Chair Coghill.
SB 187-CHILD WELFARE; CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
1:33:53 PM
CHAIR COGHILL announced the consideration of SB 187,"An Act
relating to the crime of endangering the welfare of a child in
the second degree; relating to the crime of misconduct involving
confidential information in the first degree; amending Rule
16(d)(3), Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; and providing for
an effective date." This was the second hearing on the bill.
CHAIR COGHILL removed the objection he stated during the 3/12/14
hearing. Finding no further objection, Version N was adopted.
1:34:36 PM
RYNNIEVA MOSS, Staff, Senator John Coghill, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided information related to SB
187 on behalf of the sponsor. She noted that she had an
amendment prepared to address the concerns that Senators McGuire
and Wielechowski expressed during the previous hearing.
1:35:23 PM
SENATOR DYSON moved to adopt Amendment 1, labeled 28-LS1145\N.1.
CHAIR COGHILL objected for an explanation.
AMENDMENT 1
OFFERED IN THE SENATE
TO: CSSB 187( ), Draft Version "N"
Page 2, line 17:
Delete "the"
Page 2, line 18:
Delete "victim"
Insert "an adult victim or a minor victim for
whom the disabilities of minority have been removed
for general purposes under AS 09.55.590"
Page 2, line 19, following "(ii)":
Insert "a"
Page 5, line 2:
Delete "another person"
Insert "a party's expert witness"
Page 5, line 9:
Delete "This Act applies"
Insert "(a) Sections 1 and 2 of this Act apply to
offenses committed on or after the effective date of
this Act.
(b) Sections 3 - 5 of this Act apply"
MS. MOSS explained that the amendment takes care of a concern
that Senator McGuire had that by default, if there was no parent
or guardian, there would be a situation where a minor could
release confidential information. It also addresses a concern by
Senator Wielechowski about broad access to the information, and
allows expert witnesses access to confidential information. The
final provision of the amendment addresses the applicability of
the bill and divides it into two parts; applicability to the
crime and charges committed on or after the effective date, and
the applicability of confidential information in ongoing
criminal proceedings.
CHAIR COGHILL removed his objection and Amendment 1 was adopted.
Finding no questions or comment, he solicited a motion.
1:38:01 PM
SENATOR DYSON moved to report CS for SB 187, as amended, from
committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal
note(s).
CHAIR COGHILL announced that without objection, CSSB 187(JUD)
was reported from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee.
1:38:31 PM
At ease
SB 201-CRIMINAL TRESPASS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
1:39:35 PM
CHAIR COGHILL reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SB 201,"An Act relating to the crime of
trespass." This was the first hearing.
1:39:52 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska,
sponsor of SB 201, introduced the legislation by reading the
following sponsor statement into the record: [Original
punctuation provided.]
As a landowner, you have the right to regulate
activities on your property. However, in Alaska,
current state law gives a person the privilege to
enter and remain on unimproved or apparently unused
land that isn't posted with "no trespassing" signs.
Furthermore, a sign must be placed at each roadway or
access point onto the property.
Many Alaskans own private property in remote locations
with inclement weather. No trespassing signs can be
blown down, removed by vandals, or covered by snow.
The lack of visible signage should not absolve
trespassers of guilt.
Senate Bill 201 would repeal Alaska Statute
11.46.350(b) and (c), thereby removing the requirement
that private property be posted in order for criminal
trespass laws to be enforced. It should be the
responsibility of the individual to know who owns the
property that they want to access. Today's technology
allows many options for individuals to identify public
and private property boundaries such as topo maps that
can be downloaded on a smart phone or GPS. In
addition, the public can access maps showing property
boundaries from the state Department of Natural
Resources, the U.S. Geological Survey, as well as
municipal plats available at city hall.
1:42:12 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN opined that "No Trespassing" signs are offensive
to many and putting them up can create more problems than they
solve. This legislation is intended to eradicate the need for
those signs.
1:45:33 PM
SENATOR OLSON asked if his attitude would change if he were to
find that his own cabin was used and burned to the ground. He
provided an example where someone might need to use the cabin in
an emergency.
SENATOR STEDMAN said he didn't think so. When it's a health and
safety issue someone could use the cabin. He did not see the
effectiveness in that situation.
CHAIR COGHILL noted that Captain Burke Waldron and Quinlan
Steiner were available to answer questions.
SENATOR OLSON commented that someone in need would break the
lock to get into a cabin.
1:47:50 PM
SENATOR DYSON observed that this didn't change the law regarding
vandalism of private property.
SENATOR STEDMAN said "not in a literal form." He opined that the
bill would not incite people.
CHAIR COGHILL asked Captain Waldron his view of the bill in
terms of whether no trespassing signs are an enticement or serve
a legal purpose of fair warning.
1:49:44 PM
CAPTAIN BURKE WALDRON, Operations Commander, Alaska State
Troopers, Division of Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Department of
Public Safety, Anchorage, Alaska, advised that he's seen
situations where the signs are vandalized or removed, but he
couldn't speak to whether it entices further vandalism or
criminal mischief.
CHAIR COGHILL asked if it's reasonable to expect people to know
their location based on GPS information.
CAPTAIN WALDRON said he hasn't verified the accuracy of any GPS
units, but found some of them to be accurate. The Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has tested some of the
software and found the programs to be accurate. He noted that
not everyone has access to a GPS.
CHAIR COGHILL asked Mr. Steiner if the bill removes some
protections for private land owners.
1:52:36 PM
QUINLAN STEINER, Director, Public Defender Agency, Department of
Administration, Anchorage, Alaska, replied he didn't think the
bill would remove protections for private land owners. People
who inadvertently or recklessly enter land could be held
criminally liable. The standard would probably be "reckless."
CHAIR COGHILL offered that a posted sign says what is expected
of an individual. He asked if the sign was not there, whether
the person could reasonably claim to not know the land was
private.
MR. STEINER replied they could argue they didn't know. An
alternative would be to handle it as a violation with a civil
fine, rather than with a criminal penalty.
SENATOR STEDMAN said he didn't believe that a prosecutor would
bring charges against Senator Dyson if he were found on private
property.
CHAIR COGHILL commented on his experience in Nenana where land
was not posted, but he knew not to go on the land unless
invited.
SENATOR DYSON highlighted that Mr. Steiner made the point that
this doesn't reduce rights and protections of the private
property owner. This just removes the need for a sign. He opined
the bill is on target and said he agrees with the intent.
CHAIR COGHILL commented that he appreciates the behavior a sign
might elicit.
SENATOR DYSON commented on a sign in Oregon.
1:57:51 PM
CHAIR COGHILL announced he would hold SB 201 in committee for
further consideration.
SB 170-AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE TO PROSTITUTION
1:58:03 PM
CHAIR COGHILL announced the consideration of SB 170, "An Act
relating to a defense to the crime of prostitution for victims
of sex trafficking." This was the first hearing on the bill.
1:58:39 PM
SENATOR BERTA GARDNER, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska,
sponsor of SB 170, directed attention to an article in the
packets from KTUU. It talks about the case/story of Keyana
Marshall, who at 15 started babysitting for a woman who turned
out to be a madam, and was sucked into prostitution. Ms.
Marshall said when she got out of the "trade" she was mistaken
by law enforcement as someone who willingly engaged in
prostitution and, as a result, spent time in prison. She is now
a member of a group called "Sex Trafficking Alaska" whose
members say, "The state's prostitution laws are punishing women
who are forced into the sex trade."
SENATOR GARDNER reported that Alaska Attorney General Geraghty
said a change in prostitution laws is not necessarily the
solution. He says, "Victims need to take a courageous first step
and help them untangle the web of commercial sex trafficking.
They have to agree to cooperate - we have to get their trust.
They have to come forward, testify, cooperate with us in trying
to get the traffickers." She advised that SB 170 gives victims a
reason to trust law enforcement and gives law enforcement a tool
to garner information about traffickers.
2:00:41 PM
STEVE HANDY, Intern, Senator Berta Gardner, introduced SB 170,
on behalf of the sponsor. He spoke to the following sponsor
statement: [Original punctuation provided.]
This bill directs the court system to accept an
affirmative defense in the crime of prostitution, if a
person can prove they were the victim of sex
trafficking at the time of the prostitution charge.
Currently, in Alaska, anti-sex trafficking statutes
may ensnare those who have been trafficked, resulting
in the arrests and prosecution of those who were,
themselves, victims of sex trafficking. This creates a
system of re-victimization; a prostitute forced into
sex work can be subjected to arrest, prosecution and
the hardships and stigmas of conviction.
SB 170 will not only provide protection from the
double victimization explained above but it will also
help to expose the extent of sex trafficking in
Alaska. According to the FBI in Anchorage, seven sex
trafficking cases have resulted in 105 arrests. But
these are not complete numbers. Prostitutes do not
call law enforcement or other emergency services to
report victimization out of fear of arrest and
conviction. This set of circumstances not only denies
people access to basic and necessary services; it
renders sex trafficking and prostitution in the state
extremely difficult to address or measure.
As supporting documentation indicates, other states
are recognizing the irrationality and unfairness of
such a system. This bill will refine Alaska law to
differentiate between a victim of sex trafficking and
a person willfully committing a crime, and thus begin
the process of rehabilitation of sex trafficking
victims forced into prostitution. Federal and state
law enforcement and public policy experts contacted in
the research phase of this bill summarily welcomed SB
170 as appropriate and timely.
The Alaska Department of Law has reviewed the bill and
supports its intent and language. I hope you will join
them, the co-sponsors, and this office in support of
this important bill.
2:05:46 PM
CHAIR COGHILL opened public testimony.
2:06:09 PM
ROBIN RICHARDSON, Urban Justice Center, New York City, New York,
summarized her history as an experienced anti-trafficking
advocate and concerned Alaskan. She pointed out needed changes
to the bill. She suggested expanding the language of SB 170 to
create a remedy for victims at any stage of the criminal
process, including post-conviction, and repairing the
relationship with law enforcement by providing screening
training for law enforcement that is led by survivors. She
thanked the committee for helping Alaska to potentially become a
leader in eradicating human trafficking.
2:11:11 PM
SENATOR DYSON noted that the statute says a person is guilty of
sex trafficking if they induce someone through the use force.
His understanding is that getting a person addicted to heroin or
some other drug has been the means of forcing the prostitution.
He asked that should be included as a positive defense.
MS. RICHARDSON offered her belief that trafficking in Alaska has
removed the elements of force, fraud, or coercion. In Alaska, a
person could be guilty of sex trafficking in the fourth degree
for facilitating prostitution.
CHAIR COGHILL affirmed that the statute was amended last year.
He suggested that the Department of Law could review those
changes for the committee.
2:13:17 PM
JESSICA EMERSON, Staff, Equal Justice Works Fellow, Women's Law
Center of Maryland, Towson, Maryland, stated that she's been an
anti-trafficking advocate for ten years. She voiced support for
the intent of SB 170 and offered recommendations to make it more
comprehensive and responsive to the experiences of the victims
of sex trafficking.
First, the bill should be expanded to allow previous convictions
to be vacated once the victim is able to come forward, because
victims often are arrested multiple times before they reveal
their victimization. This would serve as an incentive to report
to law enforcement.
Second, the affirmative defense should not be limited to
prostitution offenses only, as it does not reflect the reality
of the trafficker's influence and control over their victims.
Traffickers routinely force or manipulate their victims into
committing a range of crimes.
Finally, SB 170 should expressly permit the introduction of
exigent evidence by armed service providers or other advocates
as evidence of a person's victimization. Evidence from a
governmental organization should create a rebuttable presumption
that the victim is eligible for such relief. Placing the burden
on the victim ignores the reality that most sex trafficking
victims are too scared, ashamed, or traumatized to report their
victimization. Others are unaware that they are victims of
trafficking and have been manipulated by their traffickers to
believe that they are deserving of such criminalization.
2:17:10 PM
PATRICK VENTGEN, representing himself, Anchorage, Alaska, said
he's a mental health clinician who commends SB 170 as a good
start. He agreed with the suggested changes that Robin
Richardson offered. He offered his experience that sex
traffickers often are people the victim already knows. The
grooming techniques can be very subtle and stretch out over a
number of years. By the time the sex trafficking starts, the
individuals have been doing prostitution for a long time. They
are victims and SB 170 is a first step to not revictimize these
individuals.
2:20:05 PM
MAXINE DOOGAN, Community United for Safety and Protection, San
Francisco, California, offered suggestions to improve SB 170.
The first is to remove the burden on victims who must qualify
their status when they find themselves a defendant in a criminal
proceeding. Another improvement is to ensure that sex
trafficking victims' prior convictions are vacated once they
decide to come forward. Finally, a provision should be added to
protect the identity of sex trafficking victims or those alleged
to be in prostitution to reduce the likelihood of further
harassment or discrimination.
LAEL MORGAN, representing herself, Anchorage, Alaska, offered to
answer questions related to SB 170. She advised that she had
authored books on prostitution during the Alaska-Yukon Gold
Rush.
2:23:00 PM
TARA RUPANI, Member, Community United for Safety and Protection,
Fairbanks, Alaska, said she was a trafficking victim as a child.
She advised that she made a public records request for all the
charges related to sex trafficking and prostitution in 2012-2013
and learned that only alleged prostitutes have been charged with
sex trafficking and the alleged victims have been arrested and
charged with prostitution. The trafficking law that was passed
in 2012 has only been used against vulnerable women in the sex
industry and never to help them.
MS. RUPANI discussed the marked differences in the language in
SB 170 and the sex trafficking law, and the difficulties
associated with gaining employment or stable housing with a
criminal record of sex trafficking. She cited examples and
suggested that all the convictions related to being a
trafficking victim should be removed from CourtView. This will
help these victims become productive members of society.
She said the bill formalizes what appears to be current practice
which is that the police generally choose not to charge victims
who cooperate with their demands. However, the process of making
access to services and treatment as a victim contingent on
cooperating with law enforcement, which may include testifying,
re-traumatizes the victim and violates their human rights. She
offered her belief that Alaskans want all victims to be
protected, not just those who win the approval of law
enforcement. She concluded saying that Alaskans are dependent on
legislators to stop the revictimization of victims.
2:30:29 PM
DIANA BLINE, Director, Program Services, Covenant House Alaska,
Anchorage, Alaska, reviewed the array of services that Covenant
House offers homeless and at-risk youths ages 13-20. She
discussed staff training and advised that over a three-month
period last fall, 27 young people were identified as active
victims of sex trafficking. A young victim is revictimized once
they are arrested; they face legal sanctions and have a
permanent record. This limits their future opportunities and
makes it more difficult to leave the life of prostitution. On
behalf of Covenant House, she stated strong support for the
intent of SB 170.
2:32:40 PM
KAYT SUNWOOD, representing herself, Fairbanks, Alaska, stated
that while SB 170 is an appreciated step toward addressing sex
trafficking in Alaska, some aspects should be expanded to ensure
the intent is realized. First, it is essential that sex
trafficking victims and potential victims' identities are
protected. Law enforcement should receive proper training, there
should be a safety net for cooperating survivors, and limited
immunity should be provided for those who report incidents of
human trafficking.
2:34:24 PM
JEAN RICHEY, Ph.D., Professor, University of Alaska Fairbanks,
said her primary concern is for social justice for victims of
sex trafficking. That includes immunity for anyone making a
report of sex trafficking and protection of the victim. She
commended Senator Gardner for introducing SB 170 and expressed
hope that the language would be made stronger.
2:35:35 PM
DAVID POPPE, representing himself, Nenana, Alaska, advised that
working as an emergency medical services (EMS) provider, he has
noticed that patients are reticent to discuss their
victimization with law enforcement. He suggested additional
training so they don't appear so forceful in cases involving
prostitution. He also expressed a desire for more plain English
in the law.
2:37:39 PM
KEYANA MARSHALL, representing herself, Fairbanks, Alaska, stated
that she was a sex trafficking victim from age 15 and was
charged as a co-conspirator as a result of being trafficked. She
described the difficulties she's had getting a job because of
her record, none of which she did of her own volition. She said
she would like the bill to be revised and provide greater
protections for victims.
2:40:42 PM
CHAIR COGHILL commented on the scope of the bill and asked the
sponsor if she had closing comments.
SENATOR GARDNER said she recognizes that there are many more
things that can be done, but the decision was to present a
simple bill and perhaps get it passed this year.
CHAIR COGHILL announced he would hold SB 170 in committee for
further consideration.
2:44:13 PM
At ease
SB 176-REG. OF FIREARMS/KNIVES BY UNIVERSITY
2:45:21 PM
CHAIR COGHILL reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SB 176."An Act relating to the regulation of
firearms and knives by the University of Alaska." This was the
fourth hearing.
2:46:00 PM
ALBERT JUDSON, representing himself, Juneau, Alaska, informed
the committee that he is a chemical dependency counselor, a
former patrolman, Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO), and
security officer testifying in opposition to SB 176. He
discussed a handout showing gun laws in other states along with
the campus shooting in Virginia and stressed that populations in
Alaska are much smaller and therefore not comparable. He asked
the committee to consider that crime statistics this year at UAS
are zero, that geographic interconnectedness has a negative
impact on gun laws, and that Alaska has high alcoholism and drug
abuse rates. He opined that students and faculty couldn't be
blamed for walking off the UAS campus if this bill passes, and
then offered suggestions for redesigning buildings to make
allowance for violence of any kind. He concluded that a safe,
secure learning environment is the best environment in the
world.
2:52:51 PM
SHAUNA THORNTON, Speaker, Coalition of Student Leaders, Kenai
Peninsula College, Soldotna, Alaska, reported that the Coalition
met on March 7 and passed a resolution in support of the
University of Alaska System position on SB 176. Speaking from
the student perspective, she said she believes that if firearms
are allowed on campus it puts anybody who is trying to calm a
disgruntled student at a serious disadvantage because of the
fear of the unknown. Right now, people on campus help one
another but the feeling of interconnectedness could change if
this bill were to pass.
2:54:50 PM
MICHAEL MANCILL, representing himself, Fairbanks, Alaska, said
he is the vice-president of student government and a mining
engineering student. He voiced support for SB 176 with one
reservation that it would allow guns in dorms. In that
environment firearms could possibly create danger, but he would
feel comfortable and safer having firearms in the hands of
responsible citizens on campus, in classrooms, and at university
functions.
CHAIR COGHILL informed the audience and other interested parties
that the forthcoming committee substitute is designed to respond
to some of the university concerns and the question of guns in
student housing.
MR. MANCILL responded that he saw the proposed committee
substitute and supports the compromises.
SENATOR DYSON suggested the committee seriously consider the
idea of having an approved lockbox that isn't stored in a
community area to accommodate students living in a dorm setting.
CHAIR COGHILL announced he would hold SB 176 in committee for
further consideration.
2:59:06 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Coghill adjourned the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee
meeting at 2:59 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 187 Amendment.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 187 |
| CSSB 176.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 176 |
| Explanation of Changes - Version Y.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 176 |
| Bar - Granger.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
Confirmation Hearing |
| Judicial Conduct - June.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
Confirmation Hearing |
| SB 201 - AS 11.46.350.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 201 |
| SB 201 - ADN article.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 201 |
| SB 201 - Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 201 |
| SB201- Fiscal Note LAW-CRIM.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 201 |
| SB201- Fiscal Note DOA-OPA.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 201 |
| SB201- Fiscal Note DOA-PDA.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 201 |
| SB201- Fiscal Note DOC.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 201 |
| SB201- Fiscal Note DPS.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 201 |
| SB201- Fiscal Note DPS-DET.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 201 |
| SB 176 - KUAC Article.pdf |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 176 |
| Written Testimony #3.zip |
SJUD 3/17/2014 1:30:00 PM |
SB 176 |