Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/10/2025 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB49 | |
| SB53 | |
| Confirmation Hearing Alaska Public Offices Commission | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 49 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 53 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 53-LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY ACCREDITATION
3:51:28 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 53 "An Act relating to
accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies."
3:51:47 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON speaking as the sponsor of SB 53 introduced
the legislation:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Senate Bill 53 is about ensuring that every Alaskanno
matter who they are or where they livecan feel safe
in their community and have trust in those who are
sworn to protect them. It is also about giving our
peace officers the tools, training, and standards they
need to do their jobs effectively and with pride. Our
law enforcement professionals perform some of the most
difficult work in our state. They walk into uncertain
situations every day with courage and resolve. This
bill is not an indictment of their serviceit is an
investment in their success and in the trust between
officers and the people they serve.
The concept of this bill was brought to me by the
Anchorage Police Department Chief of Police Sean Case.
Chief Case suggested an accreditation standard as a
way to address multiple concerns across the state with
one piece of legislation. SB 53 establishes a
statewide accreditation standard. These standards
include clear protocols for de-escalation as well as
empowering officers to use nonlethal force whenever
safely possible. SB 53 also strengthens the reporting
and oversight of officer misconduct. It ensures that
officers who witness misconduct are required to
intervene and report it. This isn't just about
disciplineit's about creating a culture of integrity
that lifts up the entire profession.
3:53:26 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON continued with the introduction of SB 53:
And because Alaska is home to many rich and diverse
cultures, this bill includes cultural competency
training to help officers better understand and serve
all Alaskans. Especially our Alaska Native
communities, who have long faced systemic challenges
within the justice system. The Alaska Police Standards
Council will play a central role in certifying these
reforms, providing training, and ensuring compliance.
These are not abstract changesthey are practical
steps that will lead to safer streets, stronger
communities, and more confident, better-supported
officers.
SB 53 is not about choosing between community safety
and officer safetyit's about recognizing that the two
go hand in hand. Today is just the first step. I look
forward to working with all the stakeholders to ensure
we can create accreditation standards that work for
everyone.
3:54:23 PM
DEIRDRE GOINS, Staff, Senator Gray-Jackson, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided an overview and sectional
analysis for SB 53. She moved to slide 2 and said SB 53 is
accreditation for law enforcement agencies, not individual
officers. The need for officers and public safety reform in
Anchorage brought the legislation forward. She said SB 53
addresses the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Needed Reforms for Public Safety & Officer Safety
• Standards of Excellence
• Clear Policies & Procedures
• Reduced Legal Exposure
• Consistency Across Agencies
• Funding Opportunities
• Community Engagement & Confidence
• Improved Industry Culture
3:55:45 PM
MS. GOINS moved to slide 3 and discussed the minimum standards
SB 53 seeks to impose and its areas of focus:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Minimum Standards
Promote:
• Consistency
• Accountability
• Professionalism
• Community Trust
Areas of Focus:
• Use of Force
• Cultural Competency
• DV/IPV Response
• Body-worn cameras
• Witness Identification
• Conduct Complaints
• Highspeed Pursuits
• Death & Crisis Notification
3:57:17 PM
MS. GOINS moved to slide 4 and said 25-32 states have
implemented varying levels of accreditation. She mentioned some
of the positive outcomes that have occurred:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Measurable Outcomes
• North Carolina agencies reported 25 percent
decrease in Use of Force cases.
• Wisconsin's program led to fewer escalated
incidents.
• Some Georgia departments saw up to a 20 percent
reduction in civil litigation.
• Many states have seen improved community
satisfaction surveys.
• Involved agencies are more likely to engage in
community policing strategies.
3:58:48 PM
MS. GOINS summarized the sectional analysis for SB 53:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sectional Analysis-Version A
Section 1- Adds a subsection to AS 09.50.250
Actionable claims against the state.
(6) is for damages based on a law enforcement
agency's
(A) exercise, performance, or adoption of, or
failure to exercise, perform, or adopt, the minimum
standards and practices required to obtain and
maintain the first tier of accreditation under AS
44.41.020(l) or required under a higher accreditation
tier as established in AS 18.65.228(c); or
(B) failure to obtain and maintain
accreditation as required under AS 44.41.020(l).
3:59:17 PM
MS. GOINS continued with the sectional analysis for SB 53:
Section 2- Adds a new subsection to AS 09.65.070(d)
Suits against incorporated units of local government.
(d) An action for damages may not be brought
against a municipality or any of its agents, officers,
ore employees if the claim
(7) is based on a municipal police
department's
(A) exercise, performance, or adoption
of, or failure to exercise, perform, or adopt,
the minimum standards and practices required to
obtain and maintain the first tier of
accreditation under AS 29.71.070 or required
under a higher accreditation tier established in
AS 18.65.228(c); or
(B) failure to obtain and maintain
accreditation as required under AS 29.71.070.
Section 3- Adds a new subsection to AS 18.65.220.
Powers.
The council has the power to
(9) establish minimum standards and
practices for the accreditation of law enforcement
agencies in the state.
Section 4- Adds two new sections to AS 18.65. Police
Protection.
Establishes a new section AS 18.65.227. Law
enforcement agency standards and practices.
(a) The council shall establish minimum standards
and practices for the accreditation of law enforcement
agencies, including standards and practices relating
to
(1) the administration, management, and
operation of law enforcement agencies;
(2) bias-based policing;
(3) the use of force;
(4) an agency's response to crimes involving
family violence;
(5) the use of body-worn recording
equipment;
(6) complaints of alleged misconduct by a
law enforcement officer;
(7) the use of electronic control weapons;
(8) eyewitness identification procedures;
(9) notification of death and death-related
events; and
(10) pursuits conducted by police officers.
4:00:38 PM
MS. GOINS continued with the sectional analysis for SB 53:
(b) The council shall base the standards and
practices on standards established by the
International Association of Chiefs of Police and the
Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement
Agencies, Inc.
(c) The council shall establish three
accreditation tiers. The standards and practices for
the
(1) first tier must be designed to protect a
law enforcement agency from liability, enhance
delivery of services, and improve public confidence in
policing;
(2) second tier must relate to the
administration, management, and operation of a law
enforcement agency; and
(3) third tier must consist of standards
higher than the standards outlined in the second tier
for the administration, management, and operation of a
law enforcement agency.
Establishes a new section AS 18.65.229. Law
enforcement agency accreditation.
(a) The council shall review a law enforcement
agency's compliance with the minimum standards and
practices adopted under AS 18.65.227 and issue a
certificate of accreditation to the law enforcement
agency at the appropriate accreditation tier.
(b) The council shall work with a law enforcement
agency that has failed to obtain or maintain
accreditation under this section until the law
enforcement agency achieves accreditation.
(c) The council shall assist a rural law
enforcement agency in securing funding for the
purposes of obtaining and maintaining accreditation.
In this subsection, "rural agency" means a law
enforcement agency in a community with a population of
7,00 or less that is not connected by road or rail to
Anchorage or Fairbanks.
(d) The Department of Public Safety may not award
a grant to a law enforcement agency that is not
accredited.
4:01:50 PM
MS. GOINS continued with the sectional analysis for SB 53:
Section 5- Adds a new subsection to AS 18.65.290.
Definitions.
(10) "law enforcement agency" means a
municipal police department, Alaska state trooper
post, village public safety officer post, or regional
public safety officer post.
Section 6- Adds a new section to AS 29.71. General
Provisions.
Establishes a new section AS 29.71.070. Municipal
police department accreditation.
(a) A municipality with a municipal police
department shall obtain and maintain accreditation to
indicate the police department's compliance with the
standards and practices established in AS 18.65.227.
Section 7- Adds a new subsection to AS 44.41.020
Duties of department.
(l) The Department of Public Safety shall
obtain and maintain accreditation for each Alaska
state trooper post, village public safety officer
post, or regional public safety officer post to
indicate compliance with the standards and practices
established in AS 18.65.227.
4:02:36 PM
MS. GOINS continued with the sectional analysis for SB 53:
Section 8- The uncodified law of the State of Alaska
is amended by adding a new section to read:
TRANSITION: ACCREDITATION. A law enforcement agency
that, on the effective date of this Act, is required
to obtain and maintain accreditation under AS
29.71.070, enacted by sec. 6 of this Act, or AS
44.41.020(l), enacted by sec. 7 of this Act, has until
January 1, 2027, to obtain the first tier of
accreditation. In this section, "law enforcement
agency" has the meaning given in AS 18.65.290.
4:03:28 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked whether municipal departments must create
their own set of criteria and raised concern that, since the
fiscal note shows high costs for state troopers, municipalities
might also face those expenses.
4:03:54 PM
MS. GOINS replied that the Police Standards Council will
establish one unified set of standards, so agencies and
municipalities will not bear significant costs for developing
them.
4:04:26 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked what happens if a department lacks the
funding or manpower to pay the minimums and how will a smaller
agency afford the minimum requirements.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON deferred the question to an invited
testifier.
4:05:26 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony on SB 53.
4:05:44 PM
SEAN CASE, Chief, Anchorage Police Department, Anchorage,
Alaska, answered questions and testified by invitation on SB 53.
He explained that SB 53 aims to establish mandatory
accreditation standards for all law enforcement agencies in
Alaska, enhancing professionalism, accountability, and
effectiveness. Accreditation ensures agencies meet consistent,
nationally recognized standards covering areas like use of
force, internal investigations, pursuit policies, and evidence
management. He said mandatory accreditation provides a baseline
of best practices, promotes regular internal and external
reviews, and fosters accountability and transparency. It builds
public trust by demonstrating a commitment to excellence,
reduces liability risks, and strengthens service delivery. The
first tier is designed to be achievable for agencies of all
sizes, offering protection from liability while improving
operations and community confidence. Overall, SB 53 sets a
statewide framework for consistent, high-quality policing. He
replied to Senator Kawasaki's previous question and said that
the lowest tier of accreditation is intentionally designed with
fewer requirements than national standards to accommodate small
and remote Alaska agencies with limited funding and personnel.
He highlighted that accreditation improves training and
operational effectiveness by requiring agencies to review and
strengthen programs. He said even though he supports SB 53, he
acknowledged fiscal challenges and proposed a streamlined model
with one program coordinator and one clerical staff to manage
accreditation statewide. This approach would provide the support
needed, especially for small and rural agencies. He noted some
testimony may question the process rather than accreditation
itself but emphasized that mandatory accreditation is a
necessary and beneficial step for Alaska.
4:11:06 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI noted that when Fairbanks built a new department
a significant amount of money and space were invested to adhere
to evidence and records storage standards. He asked how
standardized requirements would apply to remote Alaska locations
that may have limited space or other constraints.
4:11:52 PM
CHIEF CASE replied that the question gets to the heart of the
challenges faced by law enforcement. Improperly stored records
or evidence can hinder prosecutions, particularly in rural
areas. He acknowledged financial and logistical hurdles, but
emphasized that implementing accreditation standards represents
a long-term commitment to improving police services, ensuring
effective prosecution, and investing in agencies to provide the
law enforcement quality all Alaskan communities deserve.
[CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 53.]
4:14:07 PM
GREG RUSSELL, Life Member, Alaska Police Officer Association,
Soldotna, Alaska, testified in support of SB 53 and emphasized
that mandatory police accreditation is a key step toward
accountability, transparency, professionalism, and public trust
in law enforcement. Accreditation sets uniform standards across
agencies, covering policies, training, accountability, and
continuous improvement, which helps ensure equitable and
effective policing statewide. He said benefits include improved
officer skills, better community relations, reduced misconduct,
and consistent operational practices. He acknowledged
challenges, particularly for smaller agencies, and stressed the
need for support such as funding or grants. While supporting the
goals of SB 53, he suggested revisions to make the process more
attainable and encouraged collaboration with agencies already
pursuing accreditation to enhance professional development
across Alaska.
4:20:31 PM
MIKE GARVEY, Policy Director, American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU) Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 53
and emphasized that law enforcement wields significant state
authority and must uphold constitutional rights, including equal
protection, free speech, privacy, and due process. He cited past
failures, including deadly incidents and uninvestigated sexual
assaults, to illustrate the harm caused when standards are not
met. SB 53 aims to establish strong statewide standardscovering
use of force, bias, misconduct complaints, escalation practices,
cultural competency, and accessible services, to ensure
professional, transparent, and trustworthy policing that builds
public confidence and protects individual rights.
4:23:41 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 53 in committee.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB0053A.pdf |
SSTA 4/10/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 53 |
| SB 53 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SSTA 4/10/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 53 |
| SB 53 Sectional Analysis 01.11.2025.pdf |
SSTA 4/10/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 53 |
| SB 49 Summary of Changes Version N to Version I 4.9.25.pdf |
SSTA 4/10/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 49 |
| SB 49.I.pdf |
SSTA 4/10/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 49 |
| SB 53 Fiscal Note.PS1.pdf |
SSTA 4/10/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 53 |
| SB 53 Fiscal Note.PS2.pdf |
SSTA 4/10/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 53 |
| SB 53 Presentation .pdf |
SSTA 4/10/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 53 |
| Walter Monegan APOC Resume_Redacted.pdf |
SSTA 4/10/2025 3:30:00 PM |
Alaska Public Offices Commission |