Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2005-01-19 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2005-01-19 Senate Journal Page 0089 SB 65 SENATE BILL NO. 65 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to certain weapons offenses involving minors; to aggravating factors in sentencing for certain offenses committed against a school employee; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health and Social Services 2005-01-19 Senate Journal Page 0090 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 18: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill, the School Violence Prevention Act of 2005, that addresses certain weapons violations by children and assault and other crimes by adults in schools. Violence by students and adults in schools is simply unacceptable. This bill would provide that minors who are 16 or 17 years old and commit certain felony misconduct involving weapons are automatically waived to adult court. This will deter such potentially lethal activity with a weapon by holding these minors accountable to the same legal consequences adults face for this conduct. When minors engage in a dispute and weapons are brought into the situation, the negative effects are magnified for all involved. This bill also addresses violence by adults at school. It would adopt an aggravating factor in sentencing for those convicted of a crime against a person, such as assault, on a school employee on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event. The enactment of this legislation will send the message that Alaskans will not tolerate violence in our schools, either by minors or adults. All children and teachers in this state should have a safe environment in which to work and learn. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor