SB 19-PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE  3:59:38 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 19 "An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners." 4:00:13 PM SENATOR ROBERT MYERS, District Q, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 19 presented summary of the bill. He explained he is working to expand access to tablets in prisons as tools for re-entry, education, cost savings, and improved security. This bill has been introduced in various forms for eight or nine years, and he hopes it will finally pass this session. 4:01:25 PM [CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 19.] 4:01:39 PM ROBERT FETTER, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified in support of SB 19 and shared a personal history of trauma, abuse, addiction, and repeated incarceration, beginning with severe abuse and drug exposure at age five. After years in institutions, foster care, and prison, he eventually got sober in 2019, pursued education with great difficulty, regained his children, and built a successful career. He said he is now active in re-entry work and mentoring work. He emphasized the importance of digital tools for people leaving prison. He argued that tablets can provide crucial access to education, treatment, housing, and employment resources, helping individuals avoid relapse and reducing the risk of returning to prison. Providing these tools at the critical moment of release can strengthen reentry and improve communities. 4:05:43 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if he could share some experiences after prison release; like how long the incarceration was, the biggest challenges faced in reentering society, and any suggestions for how the state could better support that transition 4:06:06 PM MR. FETTER answered that a major hurdle after release was the lack of communication between agencies. While organizations like the Juneau Reentry Coalition do good work, critical information often doesn't reach those being released. He said many had to rely on informal tips from peers in transitional housing or halfway houses to navigate available resources. He emphasized that timely access to accurate information is crucial during the vulnerable reentry period, when it's easy to relapse without proper guidance and support. 4:07:56 PM DOREEN SCHENKENBERGER, CEO, Partners for Progress, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 19 and stated that this bill is urgent. She said federal funding cuts and state staffing challenges limit available services, and recidivism rates, particularly among Alaska Native people, are rising. Digital tools can provide access to education, treatment, recovery services, housing and employment support, reentry planning, peer and tribal services, and more, all of which increase the likelihood of successful community reintegration. She said many other states already use technology safely for rehabilitation. Alaska must update its laws and practices to meet statutory rehabilitation obligations, as most released individuals arrive with no resources, support, or housing. Expanding digital access will foster connection, improve reentry success, strengthen families, enhance community safety, and reduce public costs. 4:12:38 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the arrival of Senator Wielechowski. [CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public testimony on SB 19.] 4:13:10 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee. 4:13:12 PM SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON moved to report SB 19, work order 34- LS0230\N, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 4:13:30 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and SB 19 was reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee. 4:14:25 PM There being no further business to come before the committee, Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee meeting at 4:14 p.m.