(Juneau) - Legislation preventing most suspects held on felony or misdemeanor charges from receiving a temporary release while being held at a pre-trial faculty passed 40 to 0 in the Alaska House this weekend.

SB 216 also makes unlawful evasion a felony for anyone being held on a felony charge and a misdemeanor for anyone being held on a misdemeanor charge.

The bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Charlie Huggins (R - Rural Mat-Su/Chugiak) and Sen. Lyda Green (R- Wasilla).

The Senators drew up the bill after a man held on five felony charges was granted temporary release and placed in his mother's custody to attend his father's funeral. The suspect fled the funeral service. He was eventually rearrested several weeks later, but was found with two stolen handguns while babysitting a young child.

"The case of the young man who fled his own father's funeral shows how some suspects can't be trusted under any circumstances. This bill keeps potentially dangerous suspects off the street," said Sen. Green.

"Allowing anyone who's been denied bail to just up and walk out on state custody, even on a temporary basis, poses a danger to the public. This legislation should make everyone sleep a little easier at night," said Sen. Huggins.

SB 216 now goes back to the Senate for concurrence with amendments made by the House. The Senate is expected to concur and it will go to Governor Frank Murkowski for his signature.

For more information, contact Josh Tempel at (907) 465.3878.

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