SJUD-3/8/95 SB 7 NO BAIL FOR FELONS W/PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS Number 468 SENATOR SALO, sponsor of SB 7, stated an identical measure (SB 228) passed the Senate last year with 19 - 0 vote, and received all "do pass" recommendations in both the Senate and House. SB 7 adds to the list of crimes and circumstances for which bail is not allowed. It prevents a person's release on bail either before sentencing or pending appeal, if the person has been previously convicted of sexual assault in the second and third degrees, and/or stalking in the first degree. SENATOR SALO noted additional information on SB 7 is included in committee packets, including information on the perpetrator who was the impetus for the legislation. She noted that perpetrator was convicted of an assault he committed while on $5,000 bail. She commented that although infrequent, such low incidence situations should be prevented from occurring in the future. Number 446 SENATOR ADAMS noted the perpetrator had been convicted of three rape charges and auto theft, and asked why he was able to get bail when in Alaska. SENATOR SALO replied the only thing in current law that prevents bail from being issued is either an unclassified or a class A felony conviction. The perpetrator's previous crimes were class B felonies. SB 7 would add those offenses to the list. SENATOR TAYLOR clarified there are two standards the court must look to, aside from the classification formula, when allowing bail: is the person going to flee the jurisdiction of the court; and is this person going to be a risk to others. Often that decision is based on the premise the defendant is innocent until proven guilty. There being no further testimony on SB 7, SENATOR GREEN moved SB 7 out of committee with individual recommendations. There being no objection, the motion carried.