CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 218(FIN) "An Act relating to sex offenders and child kidnappers; relating to reporting of sex offenders and child kidnappers; relating to periodic polygraph examinations for sex offenders released on probation or parole; relating to sexual abuse of a minor; relating to the definitions of 'aggravated sex offense' and 'child kidnapping'; relating to penalties for failure to report child abuse or neglect; relating to sentencing for sex offenders and habitual criminals; and providing for an effective date." SENATOR CON BUNDE, related that the only change since the last hearing of the bill is that two more offenders have moved to Alaska, one from Canada, and another came to join the state troopers. He stressed that it is time to stop Alaska from being the sexual predator magnet of America. REPRESENTATIVE MARK NEUMAN, pointed out the costs to society by these offenders, and the costs to the state for rehabilitation programs for the victims equaling about $45 million. He spoke about the idea that these offenders often commit other crimes. Putting sex offenders away for a longer period of time, means taking criminals off the streets. Representative Hawker MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 11, which reads as follows: Page 1, lines 1 - 2: Delete "relating to reporting of sex offenders and child kidnappers;" Page 3, lines 10 -23 Delete all material. Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 10, line 28: Delete "Sections 1 - 3, 5 - 8, and 12" Insert "Sections 1 - 2, 4 - 7, and 11" Page 10, line 30 Delete "secs. 5 and 7" Insert "secs. 4 and 6" Page 10, line 31: Delete "Sections 4 and 11" Insert "Sections 3 and 10" Page 11, line 2: Delete "Sections 4 and 11" Insert "Sections 3 and 10" Page 11, line 3: Delete "sec. 15" Insert "sec. 14" Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED for discussion purposes. 9:15:24 AM Representative Hawker explained that the amendment would allow for prosecution for those who would shelter a sex offender. It is an important issue and is not a part of the original bill. It would delete Section 3 of the bill, which is not clearly written. That section could be addressed later as separate legislation. Representative Kerttula agreed with Representative Hawker. She noted that the intent of the bill is for people to report where sex offenders are, but the bill is not clear on this area, nor is it integral to the bill. SENATOR GRETCHEN GUESS stated no objection to withdrawing Section 3 from the bill. Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his objection. There being NO further OBJECTION, Amendment 11 was adopted. Representative Hawker WITHDREW Amendments 12 and 13. 9:19:34 AM Co-Chair Meyer listed the fiscal notes accompanying the bill: new fiscal note by the Department of Corrections, a new zero note by the Department of Public Safety, zero note #1 by the Department of Public Safety, indeterminate note #4 by the Department of Law, indeterminate note #5 by the Court System, indeterminate note #6 by the Department of Administration, indeterminate note #7 by the Department of Corrections, and fiscal note #8 by the Department of Corrections. Co-Chair Chenault commented that even though the program would cost money, it would be wrong not to approve this bill. He emphasized that these offenders need to be put away. He stated that he was going to offer an amendment adding the death penalty to the bill. He shared a personal experience involving a child who was kidnapped. He stated strong support for the bill. 9:23:37 AM Representative Kelly related that the bill attempts to place Alaska on a "do not go there" list and will result in a reduction of costs in the end. It raises the bar and says Alaska means business. He stated strong support for the bill. 9:25:16 AM Representative Hawker noted a concern when operation costs for the state are increased. He spoke in support of the intent of the bill and of the investment in the court system to support it. He agreed with Representative Kelly that the bill would create a deterrent. He stated that it is an investment he is willing to make. Representative Holm voiced concern about fiscal note #8. He opined that rehabilitation is rare and incarceration is a better solution. He suggested that less money be spent on counseling programs. 9:29:10 AM Senator Guess shared that this is a "best practices" situation. Polygraphs are used to try to stop offenders before they offend. The probation section of the bill allows for the correction system to rein in those who break conditions of probation. Second and third degree assaults have stronger sentences. She agreed that it is not a cure- all, but right now it is best practices. Senator Bunde described a typical offender and stated that the polygraph is a good tool to have. He gave an example of an offender who was exposed by a polygraph. Representative Hawker asked if it was an Alaskan. Senator Bunde replied that it was. 9:32:43 AM Representative Foster MOVED to REPORT SB 218 out of Committee with an accompanying title change resolution and with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. HCS CSSB 218 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with a new fiscal note by the Department of Corrections, a new zero note by the Department of Public Safety, zero note #1 by the Department of Public Safety, indeterminate note #4 by the Department of Law, indeterminate note #5 by the Court System, indeterminate note #6 by the Department of Administration, indeterminate note #7 by the Department of Corrections, and fiscal note #8 by the Department of Corrections. 9:35:10 AM