03/11/2025 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB64 | |
| SB62 | |
| SB71 | |
| SB19 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 62 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 71 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 19 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 64 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
March 11, 2025
3:29 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Vice Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Robert Yundt
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 64
"An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to
voting; relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16
years of age; relating to voter registration; relating to the
Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to synthetic media in
electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs;
relating to public official financial disclosures; relating to
the crime of unlawful interference with voting in the first
degree; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 62
"An Act relating to the board of parole; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 71
"An Act relating to pretrial services supervision agreements."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 19
"An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices
by prisoners."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 62
SHORT TITLE: BOARD OF PAROLE: MEMBERSHIP, REPORT
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) TOBIN
01/24/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/25 (S) STA, L&C
02/19/25 (S) SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE INTRODUCED-REFERRALS
02/19/25 (S) STA, L&C
03/11/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 71
SHORT TITLE: PRETRIAL SERVICES SUPERVISION AGRMNTS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
01/24/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/25 (S) STA, JUD
03/11/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 19
SHORT TITLE: PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE
SPONSOR(s): MYERS
01/10/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25
01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (S) STA, JUD
03/11/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 64
SHORT TITLE: ELECTIONS
SPONSOR(s): RULES
01/24/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/25 (S) STA, FIN
01/30/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
01/30/25 (S) Heard & Held
01/30/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/04/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/04/25 (S) -- Invited & Public Testimony --
03/11/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
DAVID DUNSMORE, Staff
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the summary of changes for SB 64.
LANI GERKEN, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 64
DAVID ZIMMER, representing self
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns on SB 64.
EMILY LEAK-MICHIE, Executive Director
The Alaska Voter Hub
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 64.
FRANCISCO (CISCO) MERCADO, Policy Director
Alaska Community Action on Toxics
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 64.
SENATOR LOKI TOBIN, District I
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 62.
LOUIE FLORA, Staff
Senator Loki Tobin
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 62.
KAREN CANN, representing self
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 62.
MEGAN EDGE, Prison Project Director
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 62.
JEN WINKELMAN, Commissioner
Department of Corrections (DOC)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 71.
APRIL WILKERSON, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Corrections (DOC)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 71.
SENATOR ROBERT MYERS, District Q
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 19.
ASHLEYN BROOKS, Intern
Senator Robert Myers
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 19.
TERI TIBBETT, Coordinator
Alaska Reentry Partnership (ARP)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 19.
DON HABEGER, Coordinator
Juneau Reentry Coalition
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 19.
MARSHA OSS, Coordinator
Fairbanks Reentry Partnership
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 19.
BARBARA MONGAR, Coordinator
Mat-Su Reentry Partnership
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 19.
BRANDON JONES, Superintendent,
Highland Mountain Correctional Center
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered general questions about the tablet
pilot program.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:29:54 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:29 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson and Chair
Kawasaki. Senator Bjorkman arrived soon thereafter.
SB 64-ELECTIONS
3:31:11 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 64
"An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to
voting; relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16
years of age; relating to voter registration; relating to the
Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to synthetic media in
electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs;
relating to public official financial disclosures; relating to
the crime of unlawful interference with voting in the first
degree; and providing for an effective date."
3:31:44 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited a motion.
3:31:50 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON moved to adopt the committee substitute
(CS) for SB 64, work order 34-LS0153\H, as the working document.
3:32:04 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI objected for purposes of discussion.
3:32:19 PM
DAVID DUNSMORE, Staff, Senator Bill Wielechowski, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the summary of changes
for SB 64:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Summary of Changes
Introduced Version I to Draft CS Version H
The following provisions were removed from the bill:
• Section 3 relating to preregistration of minors.
• Section 20 relating to questioning of a voter who
requested an absentee ballot.
• Section 30 related to the timing of scanning
ballots.
• Section 38 related to synthetic media.
The following provisions from Senate Bill 70,
introduced by the Senate Rules Committee by request of
the governor, were added to this bill:
3:32:57 PM
MR. DUNSMORE continued with the summary of changes:
• Repealing the requirement that poll worker
compensation be set by regulation.
• Allowing cover sheets for absentee ballot packets
to be submitted electronically.
• Repealing the requirement for specific dimensions
for voting booths.
• Beginning absentee ballot review 10 days before
Election Day.
• Repealing the requirement that absentee ballots
that arrive after the statutory deadline be
counted during a recount.
• Adding becoming ineligible for a Permanent Fund
Dividend to the list of criteria that triggers a
voter roll clean-up notice. This provision was
added to the criteria already in SB 64.
The following provisions were added to the bill:
• In the various statutes related to identification
required for voting and registering to vote,
tribal identification cards are added to the list
of acceptable identification and hunting and
fishing licenses are removed from the list.
Where current utility bills, banks statements,
paychecks, government checks, or other documents
are allowed as identification it is clarified
that these documents must be issued in the last
90 days. These provisions are in Sections 4-5,
24, 34, and 38.
• A new Section 16 was added to clarify that
registering to vote through a Permanent Fund
Dividend is not considered contacting the
Division of Elections (Division) for purposes of
the voter roll clean-up process.
• A new Section 45 was added clarifying that
opening or tampering with a sealed ballot
envelope without permission or breaching or
hacking a voting machine is considered unlawful
interference with an election. This provision
was originally included in Senate Bill 7 by
Senator Shower in the 33rd Legislature.
• A new Section 46 adding disclosing the results of
an election before the polls close to the crime
of election official misconduct in the first
degree. This provision was originally included
in Senate Bill 7 by Senator Shower in the 33rd
Legislature.
3:35:02 PM
MR. DUNSMORE continued with the summary of changes:
The following changes were made to existing provisions
in the bill:
• In Section 26 related to unofficial election
results, details of rejected ballots were removed
from the list data that must be reported when
unofficial results are released.
• In Section 28 related to the state review board
process, existing statutory language suggesting
that observers assist with the review is removed
and ballot question campaigns are added to the
list of campaigns who may have observers.
• In Section 35 related election materials in other
languages the phrase "sample ballot" was added.
• In Section 43 related to ballot drop boxes, the
new statute is renumbered to clarify these drop
boxes will be available for all elections, the
requirement for drop boxes outside of Division
offices is removed, and municipalities are
authorized to provide drop boxes under
regulations adopted by the Division.
• In Section 47 related to cybersecurity, the
lieutenant governor is given the responsibility
for developing a cybersecurity program instead of
the director.
3:36:19 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI stated that SB 64 has grown to about 29 pages. SB
64 includes portions from the governor's original proposal back
in January, the Senate Rules Committee version, and several
bills this committee has worked on over the past two years. He
said there shouldn't be anything entirely new or unexpected in
SB 64.
3:37:06 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked whether, with the removal of the
synthetic media provision from Section 38, the new committee
substitute includes any language addressing artificial
intelligence and protections for broadcasters.
3:37:29 PM
MR. DUNSMORE answered that the provisions related to synthetic
media were completely removed from the bill and will allow the
committee to work on a more comprehensive approach that doesn't
just include election provisions.
3:37:52 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN stated that he's aware the Alaska Broadcasters
Association raised a concern about their liability for election
related synthetic media advertising and an AI policy may be an
area the sponsor might consider including.
MR. DUNSMORE said there is nothing in SB 64 that would create
additional liability.
3:38:40 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that SB 64 is still a work in
progress. He said SB 64 was starting to feel top heavy, so the
idea was to move synthetic media and AI issues to a separate
bill. He stated that he was not opposed to including synthetic
media and AI to SB 64 if the committee wants to include it.
3:39:18 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI stated that he had mentioned SB 64 getting too
long. He spoke with Senator Hughes from District M, who's
interested in AI legislation and the possibility of moving the
topic to her bill. He said adding synthetic media and AI is up
to the committee. AI language was in both the original Rules
committee version and last year's bill, so it's not new. He
stated that the focus is to keep SB 64 focused on elections and
registration.
3:40:14 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked whether, given the national focus on
required photo ID when voting, a photo ID requirement was
considered and discussed during the drafting of this committee
substitute.
3:40:52 PM
MR. DUNSMORE answered that this was the only voter ID provision
submitted to his office by another legislative office during the
drafting process. He deferred the question to the sponsor of SB
64.
3:41:15 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI answered that the policy aims to address
perceived gaps in the election system. He said tribal ID cards
were added as acceptable ID and removed hunting and fishing
licenses since those often lack photos. Current law allows
utility bills, bank statements, paychecks, or government checks,
and his office extended the valid timeframe to 90 days to verify
current info. He stated that a key concern with photo ID
requirements is a lack of DMV offices in rural Alaska which
leaves some eligible voters without photo IDs. He said the
committee and sponsor need to tread carefully not to restrict
anyone's constitutional right to vote, but he's open to
discussion.
3:42:55 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked whether current law allows a poll worker
to permit someone to vote if the voter is personally known to
them.
3:43:17 PM
MR. DUNSMORE answered yes, except when the voter has registered
to vote electronically.
3:44:14 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 64.
3:44:35 PM
LANI GERKEN, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 64 and stated that the changes are simple but
important.
3:46:03 PM
DAVID ZIMMER, representing self, Palmer, Alaska, testified with
concerns on SB 64. First, he has voted by mail for years, but
every year is required to submit a new application. He said it
would be more efficient and cost-effective if the state created
a permanent vote-by-mail request list. Second, he said he
shouldn't have to pay postage to return his ballot. Postage
should be prepaid.
3:47:10 PM
EMILY LEAK-MICHIE, Executive Director, The Alaska Voter Hub,
Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 64 and emphasized
the importance of ballot curing, removing the witness signature,
providing prepaid postage, and adding a rural voting liaison.
These changes address real challenges, especially for rural
Alaskans and non-English-speaking communities.
3:49:33 PM
FRANCISCO(CISCO) MERCADO, Policy Director, Alaska Community
Action on Toxics (ACAT), Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support
of SB 64 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 64 is necessary legislation that would reform
several key parts of our Alaska election system by
expanding voting rights and voting access. People need
a system that ensures that all votes are accurately
tabulated. SB 64 would create a ballot-curing process
to ensure this. Including a ballot-curing process will
allow voters to correct honest mistakes on their mail-
in ballots. In the first year implementing the vote-
by-mail system (2022), 4.5 percent of ballots were
rejected by election officials, with a large
percentage of those ballots from four House districts
with greater percentages of minority voters and off
the state's road system.
Another important feature of the bill is that it will
allow same-day voter registration. Currently, 23
states and the District of Columbia allow voter
registration up to and including election day. One of
the benefits of this provision is that it effectively
results in increased turnout of voters among the ages
of 18 to 24. One of the reasons for this provision is
that it benefits people who move residences ahead of
an election which occurs more frequently among younger
and low-income individuals. Please ensure that !he
final bill includes this provision.
Lastly, the bill would remove an unnecessary feature
of voting by mail, the witness signature provision.
The state currently does not verify signatures and
eliminated 7,500 ballots due to this provision. This
deprives our Alaska voters of the fundamental right to
have their voice heard at the ballot box.
In conclusion, ACAT strongly supports SB-64 for all
the above reasons. We strongly encourage you to
support this bill.
3:52:29 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public testimony on SB 64.
3:53:13 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI removed his objection. [He found no further
objection and CSSB 64 was adopted as the working document.]
3:53:18 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 64 in committee.
SB 62-BOARD OF PAROLE: MEMBERSHIP, REPORT
3:53:23 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE
FOR SENATE BILL NO. 62 "An Act relating to the board of parole;
and providing for an effective date."
3:53:54 PM
SENATOR LOKI TOBIN, District I, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 62 introduced the following
legislation and said not including medical or emergency care
Alaska spends about $73,730 annually to incarcerate one person,
which is four times the amount spent per student. In 2024,
Alaska ranked ninth in the nation for highest prison costs.
Since 2020, the Parole Board has held 75 percent fewer hearings
and released 79 percent fewer individuals, despite inmates
completing rehabilitation programs. A recent audit found no
clear explanation for the sharp drop in parole approvals. SB 62
would expand the Alaska Parole Board from five to seven members
to reduce workload, as the board oversees over a thousand
hearings each year. SB 62 adds seats for professionals with
backgrounds in drug and alcohol counseling, mental health, and
for an Alaska Native Tribal memberacknowledging that 80 percent
of inmates struggle with addiction and 40 percent are Alaska
Native. She said SB 62 also includes a seat for a crime victim,
a crime victims family member, or a victim rights advocate. SB
62 aims to improve parole decisions through broader expertise,
increase transparency with an annual report, and address
Alaska's high incarceration rate and prison costs.
3:59:53 PM
LOUIE FLORA, Staff, Senator Loki Tobin, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 62:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 62 Sponsor Substitute
Version N Sectional Analysis
Section 1 Amends AS. 33.16.020 (a) to expand the
Alaska Board of Parole from five to seven members. As
in current statute, these members are appointed by the
Governor and subject to legislative confirmation.
Section 2 Amends AS 33.16.020 (b) by applying term
limits of two five-year terms to members, replacing
current statute which states that members shall serve
staggered five-year terms, until their successors are
appointed.
Section 3 - Modifies AS 33.16.030 selection criteria
for board members. Section 3 creates specific seats on
the board, requiring one member to be a licensed
physician; one to be a victim of a crime, family
member of a victim, or a member of a crime victim's
advocacy group; one member to have experience in drug
or alcohol addiction recovery support; and one member
to be part of a federally recognized tribe in the
state.
Section 4 Amends AS 33.16.030 (c) by adding the
requirement that not more than three of the board
members may be current or former employees of a
correctional institution.
Section 5 Amends AS 33.16.030 by adding a
definitions section to include definitions for
designated seats on the Board of Parole. The
definition of "federally recognized tribe" at AS
23.20.520 is as follows: "a tribe that is recognized
by the United States Secretary of the Interior to
exist as an Indian tribe under 25 U.S.C. 5131
(Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994);
and includes any subdivision, subsidiary, or business
enterprise wholly owned by a federally recognized
tribe"
4:01:17 PM
MR. FLORA continued with the sectional analysis for SB 62:
Section 6 Adds a new section of statute at 33.16.280
to require an annual report on Board of Parole
operations and parole decisions.
Section 7 - Uncodified law specifying that a member of
the board who has previously served two or more terms
may finish their term but shall not be reappointed.
Section 8 Establishes an effective date of January
2026.
4:02:01 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony and opened public
testimony on SB 62.
4:02:37 PM
KAREN CANN, representing self, Eagle River, Alaska, testified by
invitation for SB 62; as former deputy commissioner read the
following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Parole is a critical component to keep communities and
facilities safe in Alaska. Many incarcerated
individuals participate in programs, education and
counseling looking forward to being a better citizen,
friend, and family member when they are released on
parole.
Discretionary Parole allows incarcerated individuals
the opportunity to be released on supervision to
follow an approved reentry plan that will help support
them to be successful in their community.
Individuals who apply to be seen by the Parole Board
must see the Board as a fair, deliberate institution
rather than a group of people who deny their
application without explanation. I had conversations
with far too many incarcerated individuals in Alaska
who refused to apply for discretionary parole because
it was a "waste of time". They felt chastised during
the hearing, refused parole and not know when they
would eligible again; "who would put themselves
through that"?
The current Parole Board is comprised mostly of
retired correctional personnel, and none have a
background in behavioral or mental health, human
development, or similar fields of experience and
knowledge necessary to accurately assess a person's
risk to the community and approve a release plan that
has the components for success. This bill would add
these people to the Parole Board to help assess risk
and approve a parole plan best designed for success.
4:05:12 PM
MS. CANN continued with her testimony:
I worked with a young man who served 10 years of a 16-
year sentence. In that time, he addressed his
substance use issue, became an auto mechanic, lost
friends and family had a realistic reentry plan
supported by DOC staff but was denied parole without
being told what was missing in his plan.
According to 2023 data from the Parole Board's
webpage, 5 percent of people released on discretionary
parole had their parole revoked while 95 percent of
individuals on Mandatory Parole, or when an
incarcerated person is paroled at the end of their
sentence, had their parole revoked.
The longer an individual is incarcerated the greater
the financial burden on the people of Alaska. It costs
about $202 dollars per day to incarcerate an
individual NOT including medical care for chronic
diseases, specific geriatric care, end-of-life, or
emergency care. Paroling just one person saves Alaska
a minimum of over $73,000 a year. The paroled
individual then contributes to Alaska's economy in
purchases and taxes verses draining the economy at
$202 per day.
The Alaska Board of Parole has granted parole in only
27 percent of discretionary parole cases over the last
four years - far lower than historical trends. The low
rate of approvals has not improved public safety and
has contributed to overcrowding in facilities and
ballooning budget costs for the DOC diverting
resources away from things that make us safe and
vibrant, including healthcare and education.
Please make the Parole system fair and accountable,
keep communities and facilities safe and pass SB 62 to
make Alaska's criminal legal system more just.
4:08:00 PM
MEGAN EDGE, Prison Project Director, American Civil Liberties
Union (ACLU), Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 62
and stated that in recent years, the board's parole grant rate
has dropped to just 27 percent, far below historical trends,
raising concerns about transparency and adherence to core
principles. SB 62 would address this by adding members with
relevant expertise, to improve evaluations. She said SB 62 would
require annual reports, increasing transparency and
accountability in decision-making. Arbitrary or unclear
decisions can undermine public safety by either releasing those
who pose a risk or keeping rehabilitated individuals
incarcerated. She stated that by supporting successful reentry,
SB 62 can reduce costs, support the economy, and help fulfill
Alaska's constitutional promise.
4:11:07 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI kept public testimony open on SB 62.
4:11:40 PM
SENATOR TOBIN stated that there were changes to SB 62 over the
summer in response to community concerns. She said it takes a
practical approach to improve transparency in unclear processes
and highlights the importance of rehabilitation and hope in
public safety. She stated that without a clear path forward,
people may disengage from systems meant to help them safely re-
enter society and contribute positively.
4:12:59 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked for details on how a quorum would be formed
with a seven-member committee, and whether it would be difficult
to maintain such a committee given that other boards report
struggling with vacancies.
4:13:26 PM
MR. FLORA responded that the current quorum requirement is three
members but will increase to four members with a seven-member
board.
4:13:44 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 62 in committee.
SB 71-PRETRIAL SERVICES SUPERVISION AGRMNTS
4:13:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 71
"An Act relating to pretrial services supervision agreements."
4:14:44 PM
JEN WINKELMAN, Commissioner, Department of Corrections (DOC),
Juneau, Alaska, introduced SB 71 on behalf of the sponsor:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Given the state of our budget we are constantly
reviewing all operations for opportunities to generate
offsetting revenues without jeopardizing operations or
public safety.
The pretrial services program was established in 2018.
Currently, the state bears all costs associated with
supervising individuals released to this serviceeven
the costs for defendants charged with municipal
offenses.
This bill would allow the Department to enter into
agreements with municipalities to provide pretrial
supervision for defendants charged with a municipal
offense. These reasonable fees, similar to what we
collect for those defendants who occupy a bed inside a
facility, would allow the Department to recoup some of
the cost for providing this service to municipalities.
There are currently 2 areas within the state who
utilize this service for municipal charges- Anchorage
and Juneau.
Let me take you on a journey.
Mr. Smith is arrested in Anchorage on a municipal
charge and booked into Anchorage Correctional Complex.
As with all arrests, Our DOC Pretrial Officers
complete a risk assessment that is provided to the
Court, prior to arraignment. A few options (but not
all), the Court may consider if continued supervision
is necessary is set bail and have Mr. Smith remain in
custodywe have an agreement in place to charge for
this placement. They may decide to release Mr. Smith
to private EM at his own personal expense. Or they may
decide to release Mr. Smith to pretrial services for
supervision with DOC. If Mr. Smith is released to DOC
Pretrial Services, 100 percent of the cost is on the
state because there is no mechanism or agreement for
the state to bill the municipality for this service.
This bill will allow us to enter into an agreement to
bill for these services.
4:17:34 PM
APRIL WILKERSON, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Corrections
(DOC), Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for SB
71:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Pretrial Services Agreement
Sectional Analysis Version 34-GS1507\A
Section one AS 33.07.010 Pretrial services program;
establishment is amended to add the clarification of
being charged with a violation of state law.
Section two AS 33.07.020 Duties of commissioner;
pretrial services is amended to add an exception for
additional regulations to be adopted in consultation
with the Department of Law, the public defender, the
Department of Public Safety, the office of victims'
rights, and the Alaska Court System.
Section three AS 33.07.020 adds a new subsection
allowing the commissioner to enter into agreements
with municipalities to charge for pretrial services
and adopting regulations to establish the associated
fees.
Section four AS 33.07.030(g) is amended to update the
statute referencing the guidelines established by
regulation.
Section five AS 37.05.146(c) allows the department to
receive monies for pretrial supervision services.
Section six is the applicability section stating we
shall supervise those who we were ordered to supervise
before the effective date.
4:19:27 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked what communities SB 71 would apply
to.
4:19:31 PM
MS. WINKLEMAN answered any community that has a municipal
prosecuting system. Currently Juneau and Anchorage are the only
two communities.
4:19:44 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that SB 71 has a zero fiscal note
and asked if 2.5 million dollars is the net positive revenue to
the state of Alaska.
4:19:55 PM
MS. WILKERSON answered that is correct, the 2.5 million would be
the maximum anticipated amount. The specific form and billing
method would be determined through the regulation process.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked, since Anchorage is about ten times
the size of Juneau, Anchorage would likely account for about 90
percent of the 2.5 million.
MS. WILKERSON responded that would be the estimated cost. The
Department of Corrections (DOC) will work with the
municipalities, and if SB 71 passes, DOC anticipates a potential
budget change in FY 2027.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that this means Anchorage residents
would need to either cut 2.2 million from the budget or raise
taxes by that amount to cover the costs.
4:21:17 PM
MS. WILKERSON answered yes, if the city chose to cover the full
cost. However, there are other options, like the commissioner
mentioned earlier, such as the defendant pays 100 percent of the
cost to use private pretrial services. She said the actual
impact would depend on how the city structures its program.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked what percentage of defendants would
be able to pay the full cost of the private monitor service.
4:22:13 PM
MS. WINKLEMAN answered very few would be able to pay for the
private monitoring service.
4:22:26 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked if the DOC has heard back from the
municipality of Anchorage about SB 71.
4:22:46 PM
MS. WILKERSON answered that the DOC has not heard back from the
city of Anchorage.
4:22:55 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN stated that the city of Seward recently closed
its jail and asked if Seward was to reopen the jail would this
requirement impact Seward and in what way.
4:23:14 PM
MS. WINKLEMAN answered no unless the city of Seward set up its
own municipal prosecution and defense within the city.
4:23:37 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked why a community would want to have its own
municipal prosecutor versus letting the state handle everything.
4:23:58 PM
MS. WINKLEMAN answered that her guess would be a community would
want to have its own municipal prosecutor because of the revenue
for fees that are associated with charges against individuals.
4:24:16 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that he can see the city of
Anchorage letting the State of Alaska handle all the cases. He
said taking on those cases probably wouldn't be a financial
benefit for the city of Anchorage.
4:24:37 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if a municipality decided they didn't want
the expense of their own municipal prosecutor would the
municipality be able to transfer the cases back to the state.
4:25:23 PM
MS. WINKLEMAN answered that there is a possibility for a
municipality to transfer the cases back to the state, but
conversations about funding would need to happen first.
4:26:37 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 71 in committee.
4:27:03 PM
At ease.
SB 19-PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE
4:27:29 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 19 "An Act relating to the use
and possession of electronic devices by prisoners."
4:27:46 PM
SENATOR ROBERT MYERS, District Q, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 19 introduced the following
legislation:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 19 was prompted by conversations with the Reentry
Coalitions, the Department of Corrections, and members
in the other body and has been around in some form for
nearly a decade now. It is intended to address some of
the main concerns in prisons and to help reduce
recidivism.
One of the main struggles that prisoners face is with
accessing education. Increasing the educational
opportunities available to prisoners can improve their
employment prospects following release and can
significantly reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Allowing prisoners to access educational materials on
tablets could have a substantial impact on how many
gain honest employment rather than turning to a life
of crime.
The Department of Corrections supports SB 19 because
it reduces some of their administrative oversight
requirements and could lead to lower costs. Services
such as telemedicine and telephonic meetings with
counsel would reduce the burden on Corrections of
transporting prisoners and monitoring appointments.
With increased interest in rehabilitating prisoners
who will be released back into our communities,
tablets could provide a low-cost way to provide this
option to inmates. The reality is that most
incarcerated individuals will eventually be released,
so providing them with rehabilitative services while
they are in prison is a proactive attempt to make our
communities safer when they get released.
4:29:35 PM
SENATOR MEYERS continued:
These tablets are not intended to be a luxury for
prisoners; they facilitate connection to essential
services and resources that will help reduce
recidivism rates and promote safety on our
communities. These are services that we already
provide to prisoners but could be doing for lower
costs with the implementation of tablet programs.
While many services will still be offered in person,
providing tablets for prisoners would increase their
access to education and rehabilitation programs that
will hopefully result in lower recidivism and a safer
community for all of us, all at a lower cost than what
we currently provide these services for.
4:30:27 PM
ASHLYN BROOKS, Intern, Senator Robert Myers, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 19:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 19 v. N- Sectional Analysis
PRISONER ACCESS TO COMPUTER/PHONE/TABLET
"An Act relating to the use and possession of
electronic devices by prisoners."
Section 1: Page 1, Lines 3-15; page 2, lines 1-31;
page 3, lines 1-20;
This section adds an exemption to the prohibition
against electronic devices for prisoners. It also adds
television show ratings to the list of banned movie
ratings.
Subparagraph (I) adds additional accepted uses for
electronic devices including use for rehabilitative
and case plan purposes, legal material access, health
care access, or another purpose identified by the
commissioner in regulation.
Subparagraph (4) adds language that prohibits
correctional centers from charging fess for electronic
device use.
Section 2: Page 3, Lines 21-27 This new section states
that electronic device services are meant to
supplement existing services not to replace existing
services to the extent practicable. Electronic devices
may not be used to replace in-person visitation.
Section 3: Page 3, Lines 28-31; page 4, line 1
This section adds clarifying language regarding the
applicability of the effective date.
4:32:36 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced [invited] testimony on SB 19.
4:33:03 PM
TERI TIBBETT, Coordinator, Alaska Reentry Partnership (ARP),
Juneau, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 19 and moved to
slide 3, Partners. She stated that their partners include eight
re-entry coalitions, community partners, that help with funding
and management, and state partners that help align strategies.
4:35:28 PM
MS. TIBBETT moved to slide 4 and 5, SB 19 Access to Digital
Technology in Prisons, and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• SB 19 removes a barrier in state law that restricts
inmates inside correctional facilities from utilizing
certain electronic devicessuch as computers or
digital tabletsfor improved access to rehabilitative
programming and activities.
• The Alaska Reentry Partnership supports efforts to
expand digital technology in prisons for vocational
training, education, treatment and recovery, reentry
planning, housing and employment assistance,
telehealth, peer support, faith-based, Tribal,
visitation, and more.
• Rehabilitative programming increases the likelihood
of success in the community after release. Successful
reentry means safer communities.
• In today's world, people need to be 'digitally
literate' for basic functioningto fill out an
applications, apply for a job, banking, communication,
and more. People who have been incarcerated for
decades need basic digital skills to function in
today's world.
• The Alaska Reentry Partnership supports DOC's
efforts to improve digital infrastructure to best
provide safe and secure access to telehealth, video
teleconferencing, closed circuit education channels,
digital tablets, computer labs, and more.
4:37:35 PM
MS. TIBBETT moved to slide 6, Offender Returning to
Incarceration Within 3 years of Release, and discussed the
decrease in the recidivism rate.
4:38:36 PM
MS. TIBBETT moved to slide 7, Alaska Re-entry Efforts, and noted
a few examples of actions taken that might have had an impact on
Alaska Reentry efforts.
4:39:26 PM
MS. TIBBETT moved to slide 8, Alaska Data, and recommended a
couple reports to look at for more information about recidivism
rates and Alaska's re-entry efforts.
4:39:52 PM
MS. TIBBETT moved to slide 9, National Research, and read the
following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
State-level incarceration rates are 23 percent lower
since 2008. "States are achieving these rates with
changes in policy and by increasing opportunities and
resources to support employment and connections to
behavioral health care and housing."
Report from the National Reentry Resource Center,
Council of State Governments Justice Center, Bureau of
Justice Assistance, 50 States,:1 Goal: Examining
State-Level Recidivism Trends om the Second Chance Act
Era (2021).
4:41:01 PM
DON HABEGER, Coordinator, Juneau Reentry Coalition, Juneau,
Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 19 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
The mission of the Juneau Reentry Coalition is to
promote strategies and engage in activities that serve
justice-involved individuals, reduce recidivism, and
improve community public safety. The coalition works
on barriers and gaps in community services that
inhibit successful reentry.
One barrier to success that the coalition has been
working on for several years is access to digital
technology while inside a Department of Corrections
facility.
Although the Department of Corrections provides
computer labs to help with digital literacy, recent
history demonstrates that interruptions to traditional
access methods are fragile. COVID and lab shutdowns
are examples. Yet, during this same time, releases
from incarceration continued.
Another quick example of current communication
barriers is when an individual uses the Securus system
to contact the Coalition Coordinator. If the
individual places the call collect and a coalition
coordinator is not available to accept the call, the
system will not allow the individual to leave a voice
message, breaking the communication chain and negating
any possibility of help.
One program that illustrates reentry success through
increased access to digital technology is The Last
Mile, which was piloted in
California's San Quentin more than ten years ago, and
is now in eight states.
The Last Mile delivers advanced technology focused
education such as programming and web development
through safe and secure digital stations. The
recidivism rate for The Last Mile graduates is less
than 4 percent. 75 percent of The Last Mile returning
citizens are gainfully employed - remarkable numbers.
Senate Bill 19 figuratively opens Alaska's prison
doors to opportunities such as pro-social visitation,
healthcare, and reentry planning. The Juneau Reentry
Coalition urges the Senate State Affairs Committee to
pass this much needed bill.
4:45:23 PM
MARSHA OSS, Coordinator, Fairbanks Reentry Partnership,
Fairbanks, Alaska testified by invitation on SB 19. She told a
relevant story and discussed two suggestions related to SB 19.
She said first, planning before reentry is critical digital
tools would help build transition plans, support staff
workflows, and allow applications to be ready before release.
She said the Fairbanks Reentry Coalition supports SB 19 and
DOC's push to expand tech access, enabling things like applying
for IDs, Medicaid, and peer support. Second, access to education
while incarcerated reduces recidivism, promotes mental well-
being, and gives hope for future success. Staff fully support
introducing digital tools and say it will help more inmates
complete GEDs and prepare for release.
4:51:30 PM
BARBARA MONGAR, Coordinator, Mat-Su Reentry Partnership, Palmer,
Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 19 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
I have been the coordinator for the Mat-Su Reentry
Coalition for the last five and a half years. Our
coalition consists of state agencies (such as the
Alaska Department of Labor and the Alaska Departments
of Corrections), community substance treatment centers
(such as Set Free Alaska and True North Recovery),
Mat-Su Health Services, Tribal Agencies, non-profit
and privet community service organizations. The close
community partnerships we have through our Reentry
Coalition has made it easier to provide wrap-around.
Our reentry case managers start the planning with
individuals releasing from incarceration at least 30
days prior to their release. The wrap-around services
our reentry case managers provide include
comprehensive goal and case planning, housing
supports, employment supports, parole/probation
supports, and referrals for substance and mental
health treatment.
4:52:37 PM
MS. MONGAR continued with his testimony:
Today, I am here representing the Mat-Su Reentry
Coalition in support of Senate Bill - 19. This bill
would help to remove barriers that restricts inmates
inside correctional institutions from utilizing
certain electronic devices- such as computers or
digital tablets- for improved access to rehabilitative
programming and activities. We also support DOC's
efforts to expand digital technology for vocational
training, education, treatment and recovery, reentry
planning, housing and employment assistance,
telehealth, peer support, faith-based, tribal,
visitation, and more while individuals are still
incarcerated.
Early access to services increases the likelihood for
individuals to successfully reintegrate into the
community once they are released from incarceration
and successful reentry means safer communities.
4:54:21 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI [concluded invited testimony. He opened public
testimony on SB 19; finding none, he closed public testimony.]
4:55:07 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked about the progress of the pilot program at
the Highland Mountain facility.
4:55:25 PM
MS. WINKLEMAN stated that the Department of Corrections is in
support of SB 19 and said the commissioner's office has found
the pilot program successful.
4:56:38 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked how many units are currently in operations
and what kind of device access issues has the facility run into.
4:56:34 PM
BRANDON JONES, Superintendent, Highland Mountain Correctional
Center, Eagle River, Alaska, answered general questions about
the tablet pilot program at the Highland Mountain facility. The
facility has enough tablets for everyone, which currently houses
just over 300 people. He said the program is going well, the
facility is laying the groundwork by providing access to a
digital library, DOC policies, procedures, and the inmate
handbook. He stated that professional visits are done on
separate, non-recorded tablets, and the introduction of
electronic mail for friends and family has been very popular. He
said facility messaging allows staff to quickly share updates
with individuals or the whole population, such as changes to
meals or activities. He said the facility is also piloting a
digital system for requests and grievances, replacing the old
handwritten process with faster same day responses.
4:59:25 PM
SENATOR MYERS reiterated the commissioner's testimony.
5:00:15 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 19 in committee.
5:01:18 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 5:01 p.m.