Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-02-14 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-02-14 Senate Journal Page 0260 SB 100 SENATE BILL NO. 100 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to organized theft; relating to theft of medical records and medical information; relating to mail theft; 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 Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Public Safety 2025-02-14 Senate Journal Page 0261 Governor's transmittal letter dated February 12: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill addressing organized theft, mail theft, and the theft of medical records and medical information. The impact of property theft on individuals, businesses, and the community is often underrated. When theft occurs in retail establishments, it can, over time, total in the millions of dollars. These costs can make it difficult to do business and, many times, are passed down to the paying consumer. Alaska needs to do more to address this conduct. Accordingly, this bill creates the new crime of organized theft, which will be a class A felony. Organized theft will target those individuals who coordinate with a group of three or more persons to commit felony level thefts. These individuals are operating on a larger scale and the penalty should reflect the massive damage they cause to our communities. The bill also establishes the crime of mail theft, which can lead to identity theft, credit card fraud, and the loss of valuables. Because Alaska relies heavily on mail service, we should not depend solely on federal prosecution to address this widespread problem. Finally, the bill classifies the theft of medical records or medical information as a class C felony. Just as current law protects credit cards and identification documents, it should also protect sensitive medical information from misuse. By closing these gaps in current law, this bill will strengthen our ability to address crimes that wreak havoc on our communities. I urge your prompt consideration of this legislation. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor