HB 265-CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL  1:35:14 PM CHAIR VANCE announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 265, "An Act changing the term 'child pornography' to 'child sexual abuse material.'" 1:35:32 PM BOB BALLINGER, Staff, Representative Sarah Vance, Alaska State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Vance, prime sponsor, presented HB 265. He said the bill would replace the term "child pornography" to "child sexual abuse material" throughout Alaska Statutes. He explained that while pornography is generally legal, children cannot consent to child sexual abuse material. In essence, a misleading term would be "retired," he said, and replaced with a more accurate term. 1:38:23 PM REPRESENTATIVE GROH asked which states had adopted this new definition [of child pornography]. MR. BALLINGER listed Vermont, Arkansas, California, and Utah. CHAIR VANCE opened invited testimony. 1:39:18 PM MATTHEW DUBOIS, representing self, gave invited testimony during the hearing on HB 265. He informed the committee that he worked for the Juneau Police Department (JPD) but was testifying in a personal capacity. He expressed support for HB 265, and shared his belief that unclear language can lead to misunderstanding, confusion, harm, or acceptance of the language. The term "child pornography" implies some category of legal pornography, instead of a form of child abuse and a crime, he said. He argued that by changing the language, everyone would consider the impact on children and recognize the abuse. This is an opportunity for Alaska to be a leader, he said. He informed the committee that he attended counseling for his exposure to child sexual abuse material on the job. CHAIR VANCE sought questions from committee members. 1:42:39 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRAY noted that he supported the bill. He directed attention to page 2, Section 5, and sought to confirm that there is no immunity for clients at this time. 1:43:30 PM KACI SCHROEDER, Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Law (DOL), confirmed that there is no codified immunity in statute. REPRESENTATIVE GRAY referenced a recent case in Anchorage involving the murder of several sex workers. There was a belief, he said, that if the clients had had immunity, they would have been willing to speak to the police. He asked whether Ms. Schroeder was familiar with that case. MS. SCHROEDER said she would need more information to respond factually. She explained that there is prosecutorial discretion if a client reports a crime, indicating that the department may not be focused on prosecuting a "John." In response to a follow up question, she declined to comment on people's motives for reporting or not reporting crimes. 1:45:32 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRAY informed the committee that he was considering drafting an amendment that would provide immunity to the "Johns." REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD asked for the legal definition of a "John." MS. SCHROEDER defined a "John" as a client or patron of a prostitute. In response to a follow up question, she confirmed that being a "John" is a crime. REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD said she was not open to offering "Johns" immunity. 1:47:03 PM CHAIR VANCE announced that HB 265 would be held over. REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER HB 265-CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL  2:21:23 PM CHAIR VANCE announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 265, "An Act changing the term 'child pornography' to 'child sexual abuse material.'" 2:21:31 PM REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD moved to report HB 265 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 265 was reported from the House Judiciary Standing Committee.