Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Tuesday passed House Bill 67, which mandates that courts must consider the safety of victims in sexual assault and other sexual offense cases.

HB 67 would permit a judge to impose additional conditions on a person charged or convicted of sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, incest, unlawful exploitation of a minor, or first-degree indecent exposure. These additional conditions might include no contact with the victim or alleged victim, residing in a place where there is no likelihood of contact with the victim, and taking prescribed medication.

"Victims are usually notified of bail hearings in these cases, but there is nothing in statute that require judicial officers to inquire if such notification has been made," said Representative Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), sponsor of HB 67. "House Bill 67 requires that before someone charged in one of these cases is released that the judicial officer must inquire about whether the victim or the victim's representative has been notified and whether they are in court and wish to comment."

The bill also restricts the release of a convicted sex offender pending sentencing or appeal.

Victims for Justice, the Tundra Women's Coalition, Sitkans Against Family Violence, Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence, and the Alaska Peace Officers Association have all expressed support for this bill.

HB 67 passed the Senate unanimously.

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement
• Sectional Analysis

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