SENATE BILL NO. 210 "An Act relating to crimes against children; establishing a new aggravating factor at sentencing in certain crimes against children; relating to criminal nonsupport; adding to the list of crimes against children that bar the Department of Public Safety from issuing to a person a license to drive a school bus; adding an exception to a provision that requires the Department of Health and Social Services to make timely, reasonable efforts to provide family support services to prevent out-of-home placement of a child; and providing for an effective date." 10:20:39 AM Senator McGuire introduced SB 210. She referred to the Sponsor Statement (copy on file). On February 8, 2012 the Children's Justice Task Force (CJA) a federally-mandated, state-wide multidisciplinary group presented their findings to the Joint Senate Judiciary and HESS Committees with their system recommendations for improvement through criminal legislation. I became aware through this presentation, research, and other important conversations that we have shortcomings in the current criminal laws regarding the prosecution of harm to children. Those that suffer from these short comings are Alaska's children and the numbers are staggering. In 2008, approximately 12,400 children were likely victims of at least one incident of maltreatment, which breaks down to 34 children per day. In the instance of a child death, 1 out of every 5 was related to maltreatment. SB 210 works with the recommendations from CJA to create tougher penalties on crimes committed against a child. The bill will create increased criminal liability for assaults to children by modifying the current definition of "serious physical injury" and increases penalties when a parent intentionally withholds adequate food or liquids. Together, the Legislature can assist our future generations by providing them with laws that protect their rights and create safer communities for their growth and development. Co-Chair Stedman noted three fiscal notes from DOA; one zero fiscal note from the Division of Motor Vehicles; two indeterminate fiscal notes from the Office of Public Advocacy and Public Defenders Agency; one zero fiscal note from DPS; and three indeterminate fiscal notes from DOL, DOC, and the Alaska Court System. ANNIE CARPENETI, ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, LEGAL SERVICES SECTION-JUNEAU, CRIMINAL DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LAW, stated that the additional paragraph to the definition of "serious physical injury", which had been in statute since 1978, was in addition to the other provisions. 10:26:09 AM DR. CATHY BALDWIN-JOHNSON, ALASKA CHILDREN'S JUSTICE TASK FORCE, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of SB 210. She stated that the Children's Justice Task Force was charged with evaluating how the state system responds to concerns about child abuse, and made recommendations to improve the system. She remarked that the current serious injury physical injury definition for felony prosecution required "risk of death" or "serious and protracted disfigurement"; "multiple episodes" or "need for medical diagnoses or treatment." She felt that many children's cases fell through the cracks under that definition, because often serious harms to children were not prosecuted as felonies. She stressed that children have an incredible capacity for high trauma and healing. Those children may require an extensive trauma evaluation, but not actual medical treatment, because an infant or toddler cannot verbalize the abuse. She added that there should be more than a misdemeanor charge for those that intentionally starve children. Co-Chair Hoffman wondered what the age issues were regarding sexual abuse. Ms. Carpeneti replied that the bill addressed physical abuse. She furthered that sexual abuse of a minor was adequately dealt with in another chapter of the statute. Senator McGuire invited amendments from the committee members. SB 210 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration. Co-Chair Stedman discussed the afternoon's agenda. He remarked that a committee substitute was currently getting drafted from SB 192.