SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE February 23, 2000 1:47 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Senator Robin Taylor, Chairman Senator Rick Halford, Vice-Chairman Senator Dave Donley MEMBERS ABSENT Senator John Torgerson Senator Johnny Ellis COMMITTEE CALENDAR SENATE BILL NO. 268 "An Act relating to mandatory 99-year terms of imprisonment for persons convicted of certain murders." -MOVED SB 268 OUT OF COMMITTEE PREVIOUS SENATE COMMITTEE ACTION SB 268 - No previous action. WITNESS REGISTER Ms. Karen Rogina Alaska Restaurant and Beverage Assn. Alaska Hospitality Hotel and Motel Assn. 330 East 4th Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99501 POSITION STATEMENT: Supports SB 268 ACTION NARRATIVE TAPE 00-8, SIDE A Number 001 CHAIRMAN ROBIN TAYLOR called the Judiciary Committee meeting to order at 1:47 p.m. and brought up SB 268 as the first order of business. SB 268-MANDATORY 99-YEAR TERM OF IMPRISONMENT SENATOR DONLEY, sponsor of SB 268, read the following sponsor statement: Senate Bill 268 will require those convicted of murder in the first degree to be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of 99 years when the defendant convicted of a murder personally caused the death of a person, other than a participant, during a robbery. SB 268 is in direct response to the recent increase in murders of late night restaurant workers and taxi drivers and was introduced at the request of the Alaska Hospitality Association. A clear message needs to be sent to would be robbers who believe it necessary to take another life during a robbery. Any such action is not going to be tolerated by the people of Alaska. The lives of our mothers, daughters, sons and fathers who work these late shifts are too precious for us to stand idly by and watch as this trend continues. Senate Bill 268 will add this new standard to three existing provisions of law that also require the mandatory 99 year sentence when: * The defendant is convicted of the murder of a uniformed or otherwise clearly identified peace officer, fire fighter or correctional employee who was performing professional duties at the time of the murder; * The defendant has been previously convicted of a murder in the first degree; or * The court finds clear and convincing evidence that the defendant subjected the victim to substantial physical torture. SENATOR DONLEY said by brutally taking lives during robberies these offenders have demonstrated their wanton disregard for life. Such people need to know their evil actions will have serious consequences. SB 268 sends a clear message to potential future robbers not to kill. MS. KAREN ROGINA, Alaska Restaurant and Beverage Assn., stated she supports SB 268. Two restaurant employees have been killed in the last two months and she feels this legislation will be a deterrent. SENATOR HALFORD moved SB 268 out of committee with individual recommendations. There being no objection, the motion carried. There being no further business to come before the committee, CHAIRMAN TAYLOR adjourned the meeting at 2:04 p.m.