Sponsor Statement for SB 3

Currently, juvenile offenses other than traffic, tobacco, fish and game, parks and recreational facilities, or alcohol violations, are handled through municipal courts where these exist, or are not handled at all because of the Division of Family and Youth Services caseload.

SB 3 will put in place a uniform approach to handling curfew violations. It will enable those communities who so wish to put a curfew ordinance into effect, with the ability to prosecute.

SB 3 will help the City of Juneau, where plans for a youth curfew were set aside because they had no avenue to prosecute offenders. This bill will relieve municipalities from the burden of prosecution and will allow for more effective and expeditious handling of these offenses.

SB 3 will mandate that all juvenile curfew violations be handled in District Court. Alaska Delinquency Rules will not apply, and the minor accused of the offense will be charged, prosecuted, and sentenced in the district court in the same manner as an adult. When a minor is charged, prosecuted and sentenced for an offense under this subsection, the minor's parent, guardian, or legal custodian will be present at all proceedings.