Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2016-07-11 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2016-07-11 Senate Journal Page 3066 SB 5006 SENATE BILL NO. 5006 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act repealing certain elements of the crime of sex trafficking in the third degree; repealing certain elements of the crime of sex trafficking in the fourth degree; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Law Governor's transmittal letter dated July 11: Dear President Meyer: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to address recently enacted provisions related to the crime of sex trafficking. 2016-07-11 Senate Journal Page 3067 This year, the Legislature passed, and I signed into law, an important bill to reform our criminal justice system. This bill is now law as chapter 36, SLA 2016. Overall, the new law is a much-needed improvement to our criminal justice system. Among other measures, the bill limits prosecution of prostitution and redefines certain elements of sex trafficking in the third degree and the fourth degree. Two of the changes made by the bill may have the unintended consequence of allowing a person to operate a place of prostitution if the person claims that they themselves also practiced prostitution in the same location. Accordingly, I propose the repeal of those two provisions (sections 39 and 40, chapter 36, SLA 2016) in order to eliminate possible confusion over the effect of the provisions and to allow time for the administration and the Legislature to work together to propose alternate language for consideration in the next regular legislative session to better address the intent behind redefining sex trafficking in the third and fourth degree. Without this repeal, there would be confusion over what constitutes sex trafficking in the third degree and in the fourth degree. In order to provide protections for persons subject to trafficking, yet not allow a loophole for persons engaged in sex trafficking, sections 39 and 40, chapter 36, SLA 2016 should be repealed. My bill does that, but leaves the other provisions of chapter 36, SLA 2016 in place. I appreciate your consideration of this issue, and urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor