An Act relating to mandatory 99-year terms of imprisonment for persons convicted of certain murders.

Updated: February 16, 2000

Senate Bill 268 would require those convicted of murder in the first degree to be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of 99 years when the defendant convicted of the murder personally caused the death of a person, other than a participant, during a robbery.

SB 268 is in direct response to the recent increase in murders of late night restaurant workers and taxi drivers and was introduced at the request of the Alaska Hospitality Association. A clear message needs to be sent to would be robbers who believe it necessary to take another life during a robbery. Any such action is not going to be tolerated by the people of Alaska. The lives of our mothers, daughters, sons and fathers who work these late shifts are too precious for us to stand idly by and watch as this trend continues.

Senate Bill 268 would add this new standard to three existing provisions of law authored by Senator Donley in 1990 that also require the mandatory 99 year sentence when:

• The defendant is convicted of the murder of a uniformed or otherwise clearly identified peace officer, fire fighter or correctional employee who was performing professional duties at the time of the murder;
• The defendant has been previously convicted of a murder in the first degree; or
• The court finds clear and convincing evidence that the defendant subjected the victim to substantial physical torture.

By brutally taking lives during robberies, these offenders have demonstrated their wanton disregard for life. Such people need to know such evil actions will have serious consequences. SB 268 sends a clear message to potential future robbers not to kill.

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