Sponsor Statement for HB 9

RIGHT OF CRIME VICTIMS AND VICTIMS OF JUVENILE OFFENSES TO BE PRESENT AT COURT PROCEEDINGS

The Constitution of the State of Alaska was amended in 1994 by adding to Article 1, a new Section 24, which specifically extended to crime victims "the right to obtain information about and be allowed to be present at all criminal or juvenile proceedings where the accused has the right to be present..."

Currently at least two Superior Court judges are interpreting the Alaska Statutes, and Rule 615 , Alaska Rules of Evidence, to exclude victims of crimes and juvenile offenses from being present in the courtroom during a trial of the accused until after the victim has testified.

This bill is then offered to implement the mandate of the 1994 Amendment to the Constitution and to make absolutely clear to the judiciary a crime victim's right to be present at the trial and other proceedings of the accused, including juvenile proceedings, whenever the accused has the right to be present.