02/01/1995 01:30 PM Senate JUD

 SJUD - 2/1/95                                                                 
                                                                               
 SENATOR LEMAN, sponsor of SB 14, testified.  SB 14 changes the                
 penalty for stealing a vehicle from a class A misdemeanor to a                
 class C felony.  He deferred further testimony to Sgt. D'Amico of             
 the Alaska State Troopers.                                                    
                                                                               
 Sgt. Joe D'Amico stated the Alaska State Troopers have been                   
 averaging approximately 200 joyriding arrests per year.  Because a            
 large percentage of the offenders are minors, they are not                    
 prosecuted by the Department but instead are referred to the                  
 Department of Health and Social Services.  SB 14 applies to all               
 propelled vehicles including snowmobiles, ATVs, boats, aircraft,              
 etc.  This would effect rural Alaska where the Alaska State                   
 Troopers average approximately 700 reported thefts per year.                  
                                                                               
 SENATOR TAYLOR noted that several legislators have worked on                  
 similar legislation over previous years.  He asked if, by amending            
 the crime to a felony, the manner in which a large portion of the             
 offenders are being treated will not change because juveniles will            
 still go to the same probation officer.  SENATOR TAYLOR asked what            
 percentage of the vehicles are stolen by juveniles.  Sgt. D'Amico             
 did not have hard data but estimated that probably over 50 percent            
 of cases handled by the Alaska State Troopers involve juveniles.              
 SENATOR TAYLOR noted that if a juvenile is under the influence,               
 steals a vehicle and is speeding at 90 mph, he will be treated as             
 an adult because it is a moving traffic violation.  However, a                
 juvenile will not be criminalized for stealing the vehicle if he is           
 not speeding and under the influence.  SENATOR TAYLOR felt the                
 subject needs serious work.                                                   
                                                                               
 SENATOR TAYLOR announced SB 14 will be held until Monday, as well             
 as SB 10.  He adjourned the meeting at 3:25 p.m.