Sponsor Statement for SB 302

False Information to a Peace Officer

I respect and admire our peace officers who every day put their lives on the line for the citizens of Alaska. From Anchorage to Unalaska, whether local law enforcement or state troopers, these officers daily face uncertain dangers, while protecting Alaskans.

The majority of Alaskans are law-abiding citizens, but there are elements of our society who need a reinforced message.

Currently, it is an Class C felony offense for a person to give a false identity to a peace officer while under arrest or detention for a felony. This bill creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for a person giving a false identity to a peace officer while under arrest or detention for a misdemeanor, or while being issued a citation.

Some defendants may elude arrest for years simply by using false identities while witnesses in their cases drift away and the case grows stale and difficult to prosecute.