Session: State Capitol, Room 208 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-4930 Fax: (907) 465-3834 Interim: 716 W 4th, Suite 300 Anchorage, AK 99501-2133 Phone: (907) 269-0155 Fax: (907) 269-0154

Sponsor Statement for HJR 22
Diverse Community
Condemn Hate Crimes

Relating to a diverse community; condemning a recent racially motivated attack; and requesting the Municipality of Anchorage police department to continue their conclusive investigation and for the criminal justice system to take rapid action to reach their determination of this case.

This resolution addresses the despicable attack by three teenagers who drove into downtown Anchorage specifically to shoot paintballs at Native Alaskans. The teens made a videotape of the incidents, which police officials say is "an unmistakable hate crime."

House Joint Resolution 22 is not to be construed as an indication that this will be the legislature's final say on this incident. Before reacting, however, the legislature needs to exercise due diligence in incidents such as this.

HJR 22 notes that federal law, 18 U.S.C. 245, makes it illegal to commit a crime motivated by bias based on race, religion, national origin or color. Also noted is Alaska state law, AS 12.55.155(c)(22), which provides an aggravating factor for sentencing for a serious crime that a defendant knowingly commits a crime against another person "because of that person's race, sex, color, creed, physical or mental disability, ancestry or national origin."

The resolution resolves that:

1. the Alaska State Legislature condemns the attack and finds the conduct of those perpetrating the act and other similar conduct to be unacceptable;
2. the Anchorage Police Department continue its thorough and conclusive investigation of the attack so as to allow the criminal justice system to take rapid action to reach their determination of this case;
3. those committing such offenses be required to complete cultural and social sensitivity training and perform community service in an environment that brings them into close contact with the minority groups targeted by the perpetrators;
4. the legislature pledges its support for fair and equitable treatment for all who live, do business in or visit Alaska; and, the legislature joins with AFN in their request to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights for a formal investigation into this incident and other incidents of racism and discrimination within the state.

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