HOUSE BILL NO. 141 "An Act relating to the Interstate Compact for Juveniles; relating to the State Council for Interstate Adult and Juvenile Offender Supervision; amending Rules 4 and 24(b), Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date." 9:57:50 AM AMANDA MORTENSEN, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE JOHN COGHILL, SPONSOR, explained the legislation (Sponsor Statement, copy on file). The bill would enact the new interstate compact for juveniles into law and replace the old compact created in 1955. The compact provides the procedural means to regulate the movement of juveniles under court supervision across state lines. The Association of Compact Administrators estimates that the Interstate Compact on Juveniles is used in 20,000 to 30,000 transfer and supervision cases annually. Ms. Mortensen stressed that the compact improves communication between states by making language consistent. The bill also provides for the collection of standardized information and information-sharing systems. She informed the committee that 36 states had already passed the compact; without it, Alaska would have to deal with each state on a case-by-case basis. ANTHONY NEWMAN, PROGRAM OFFICER, DIVISION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, spoke in support of the legislation. The department would be responsible for administering the interstate compact on juveniles. He reported that about 160 juveniles enter or leave Alaska each year and the interstate compact has helped oversee their travel. The division had agreed that the compact needed to be updated and that Alaska needed to join other states that have the compact. Mr. Newman detailed that the compact changes apply at the national and state level. Under the new compact, Alaska would support establishment of an independent and national operating authority to help administer compact activities. The authority would establish uniform procedures and coordinate standardized training. Alaskan representatives would be appointed by the governor's office and be expected to serve on a national commission. Alaska would agree to abide by the rules of the compact, be subject to interventions to correct non-compliance, and would collect data as needed. Alaska would agree to pay dues and would be expected to set up a state council to oversee compact operations in the state. 10:01:43 AM CAROL BRENCKLE, CHAIR, ALASKA JUVENILE JUSTICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, KENAI (via teleconference) testified in support of the legislation. She described experience representing juveniles for 25 years as a criminal defense attorney and noted that the compact would provide uniform standards. She stated concerns about expense to the state, especially in staff time, if the bill is not promptly passed. Her other concern was that other states were already setting up regulations and Alaska should be part of the process to best protect its interests. 10:05:26 AM Co-Chair Stoltze referred to the $45,000 fiscal note. Mr. Newman clarified that the department would not create a new council but would share efforts with an existing state council that oversees the adult offender compact. Co-Chair Hawker MOVED to report HB 141 out of Committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. HB 141 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and attached fiscal note 1 by Department of Health and Social Services and zero note 2 by the Department of Corrections. 10:07:59 AM AT EASE 10:17:16 AM RECONVENED