HOUSE BILL NO. 155 "An Act relating to youth courts and to the recommended use of criminal fines to fund the activities of youth courts; and relating to accounting for criminal fines." SARAH NIELSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE RALPH SAMUELS, explained that HB 155 gives authority to appropriate up to 25 percent of the fines collected by the Alaska Court System to fund youth courts. She related that youth courts help young offenders by intervening early to help set them on the right track, and to deter them from becoming adult offenders. The Anchorage Youth Court, the oldest in Alaska was established in 1989. In the first two quarters of the current fiscal year there have been 471 youth offenders referred to these programs, which has resulted in over 8,800 hours of community service, and $7,500 in restitution has been ordered. She explained that HB 155 provides an accounting mechanism for the legislature to give money to the youth courts. The committee substitute (CS) was written in House Judiciary to address concerns of the court system. An amendment deleted specific language giving United Youth Courts the money. Representative Croft asked about a change in the wording on page 11, "distribution to youth courts". Ms. Nielson replied it used to say "the United Youth Courts". In response to a question by Vice-Chair Stoltze, Ms. Nielson asked Mr. Lack to address the issue of the lack of the victim's participation in the process. 2:25:45 PM PATTY WARE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, stated support for the bill and offered to answer questions. She noted that youth courts handle, in a timely and effective manner, between 10 and 15 percent of the delinquency cases that come to the Department of Health and Social Services. 2:27:35 PM At ease. 2:28:13 PM JONATHON LACK, ANCHORAGE YOUTH COURT, testified via teleconference in support of the legislation. He stressed the importance of youth courts and noted that the bill would provide an accounting mechanism for them. He spoke in support of HB 155. Co-Chair Meyer asked how many youth courts are in Alaska. Representative Foster replied 14. HB 155 was heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration.