News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: (800) 478-6540

Comprehensive Crime Package Strengthens Victim's Rights

Senator Halford's Legislation Introduced Today

For Immediate Release: January 9, 1997 Contact: Senator Rick Halford at (907) 465-4958.

Juneau -- Heading today’s release of pre-filed legislation are three bills introduced by Senator Rick Halford (R-Chugiak) to increase protection for victims of violent crimes and assist in fulfilling the mandate of the Victims’ Rights Amendment to Alaska’s Constitution.

"In 1994, the voters of Alaska overwhelmingly affirmed the rights of victims of crimes with the ratification of the Victims’ Rights Amendment to our constitution," said Halford. "By making these changes, we will help empower victims to deal with a judicial system too heavily weighted to the benefit of criminals."

SB 216 would allow the state to seek civil commitment of violent sexual predators. This bill would keep the most heinous offenders off the streets. SB 218 would establish mandatory minimum sentences for the murder of children. SB 219, the Crime Victims’ Rights and Advocacy Act, will establish the Office of Victim’s Advocacy. This new office will help implement the rights guaranteed to victims under our constitution.

"As our Constitution states, victims deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness during all phases of the criminal process," said Senator Lyda Green (R-Mat-Su) a co-sponsor of the measures.

On November 8, 1994, Alaska’s voters ratified the Victims’ Rights Constitutional Amendment by a margin of more than 86%.

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