January 22, 1997
Rep. Kelly works for Juvenile Justice
An Editorial -- While adult crime rates are slowly dropping, juvenile crime is on the rise. Particularly disturbing is the extreme violence and cruelty associated with these juvenile offenders. I did not set out to make a legislative career in the juvenile justice arena, nor did I know much about the topic when first elected. I have learned that secrecy in the system subverts public support for the needs of juvenile justice and prevents communities from coming to the aid of our troubled youth. To break through the confidentiality barrier created in Federal Law I have introduced legislation to provide Dan Osborne's idea of a "tiered" release of information. HB 6 allows the first mistake of a youth to remain confidential but repeat offenses will become public information. Adult jails are filling to capacity with individuals reached "too late" by our juvenile justice system. I have begun additional legislation geared toward speeding the response to entry level criminal acts, where intervention has the most chance of success. Frankly, this is a huge task requiring the talents and cooperation of all involved and I eagerly await the Governor's legislative package on juvenile justice. I am convinced that this is an arena that requires us to "rise above partisan politics." The bottom line? We must enact changes to the system that allow it to provide consequences for entry level crimes committed by kids looking for the limits to socially accepted behavior.
A Push to Limit Rights of Prisoners
HJR 8 Sponsored by Rep. Tom Brice will present to the voters of Alaska an amendment to the State Constitution adopting a single, federal standard for prisoner's rights. The Cleary Settlement was the product of years of legal battles between the State and Alaska prison imates and serves as the current standard for prisoner rights in Alaska. Hundreds of thousands of State dollars are spent annually to satisfy Cleary. HJR 8 and voter approval would ensure future decisions regarding prisoners' rights in Alaska are based on a standard established by the U. S. Constitution. Senator Donley authored the bill and is sponsoring SJR 3, the senate companion for this legislation.
HB 6 Highlights-Juvenile Justice
HB 6: Release of Information about Minors
Prime Sponsor: Rep. Pete Kelly
Co-Sponsors: Reps. Vezey and Therriault
Results of HB 6: The first misdemeanor act of a minor remains confidential while subsequent criminal acts and felony criminal acts are removed form the cover of confidentiality. This allows the free flow of information about minors who commit repeat or serious offenses.
HCR 4 Separates Records for Minors
Federal law requires confidentiality of records relating to abused children. Because children involved in troubled homes often go on to commit criminal acts, the Division of Family and Youth Services (DFYS) has maintained one set of records for minors under its child abuse and delinquency jurisdiction. This legislation sponsored by Rep. Pete Kelly allows the administration to develop separate criminal records in a manner that will best prevent the loss of significant federal funding sources.
Youth Challenge a Success
Three years ago the State of Alaska and the federal government jointly started a youth corps program, using Fort Richardson and the Alaska National Guard to provide a pilot program for young men and women who had dropped out of school and were losing their way in life. The program has been an outstanding success!
The pilot program expires September 30, 1997. Do you think this should be continued? Should the Alaska Legislature provide $250,000 matching funds for this program? Let your legislators know what you think!
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Your Interior Delegation
Rep. Pete Kelly, Chair
phone: 465-2327 fax: 465-5241
Senator Mike Miller
phone: 465-4976 fax: 465-3883
Senator Bert Sharp
phone: 465-3004 fax: 465-2070
Senator Gary Wilken
phone: 465-3709 fax: 465-4714
Rep. Tom Brice
phone: 465-3466
fax: 465-3466
Rep. John Davies
phone: 465-4457 fax: 465-4457
Rep. Jeanette James
phone: 465-3743 fax: 465-2381
Rep. Gene Therriault
phone: 465-4797 fax: 465-3884
Rep. Al Vezey
phone: 465-3719 fax: 465-3258