SB 122-VICTIM DEFINITION  2:48:22 PM CHAIR HOLLAND reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 122, "An Act relating to the definition of 'victim.'" [SB 122 was previously heard on 4/12/21 and public testimony was opened and closed.] 2:48:32 PM SENATOR LORA REINBOLD, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, as sponsor of SB 122, said that this bill relates to the definition of victim. She read the sponsor statement: [Original punctuation provided.] SB122 is a bill that removes the word "adult" before the word "child" in the definition in AS 12.55.185 (C ii). By removing the word adult, the definition of a victim will include a child of a person who has been a victim of a crime when a parent or guardian is deceased. SB122 will ensure victim rights for a child of a deceased parent or guardian. SENATOR REINBOLD provided a sectional analysis: On page 2, line 1, delete language [AN ADULT] and insert "a" 2:49:42 PM KELLI TOTH, Staff, Senator Lora Reinbold, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, on behalf of the sponsor, stated the reason for the bill is that a child wanted to be in the courtroom for the proceedings of a deceased parent but was denied by the judge. 2:50:17 PM SENATOR HUGHES said she appreciated the sponsor working with Taylor Winston, who was denied access to courtroom proceedings. She said she understood that sometimes, minors were allowed in the courtroom when a parent was incapacitated. The judicial practice has allowed children who want to be in the courtroom to be present at the proceedings. She related her understanding that this was not a problem in those cases. 2:51:13 PM SENATOR REINBOLD explained that SB 122 will address the issue so that any child can have those rights. She said that the courts have been lenient by allowing children to be present during court proceedings. However, one child was denied that privilege and she did not want that to happen in the future. She deferred to her staff to confirm. 2:51:57 PM MS. TOTH answered that is correct. 2:52:03 PM SENATOR HUGHES related her understanding that if the parent is deceased, the bill will allow a minor child to be present in court proceedings. However, if the parent is incapacitated, it does not change that language to a minor child. She related her understanding that this has not been a problem but at some point, the legislature may wish to address that aspect. 2:52:31 PM SENATOR SHOWER asked the sponsor if she was happy with the bill or would like a friendly amendment. SENATOR REINBOLD responded that she was comfortable with the change to address the initial concern. She was not aware of any other issues. She stated that the Office of Victims' Rights has vetted the bill. SENATOR SHOWER asked if the Office of Victims' Rights is happy with the bill in its current form. [There appeared to be assent.] 2:54:03 PM SENATOR KIEHL said he appreciated the sponsor bringing the bill forward so minor children could be present during proceedings. He related his understanding that the departments continue to interpret this language as an inclusive list. This bill will clear up one incident that was handled differently. 2:55:16 PM SENATOR REINBOLD stated that SB 122 has a zero fiscal note. [SB 122 was held in committee.]