(ANCHORAGE) - Governor Frank Murkowski signed three crime related bills into law earlier today. HB 136, sponsored by Representative Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), HB 54 sponsored by Representative Ralph Samuels (R-Anchorage) and HB 131, sponsored by Representative Bill Stoltze (R-Chugiak/Mat-Su).

HB 136 aims to increase the use of therapeutic courts in Alaska. The bill will increase the amount of the fine for DUI's that can be waived if therapeutic court is successfully completed. Additionally, HB 136 provides statutory authority for therapeutic courts to be used in felony DUI cases and requires that the courts impose the minimum fines for DUI's.

"The success of the 18-month 'court-ordered treatment' program created by the Legislature is demonstrated by data showing that over a three-year period, only 25% of graduates have had repeat offenses. This is in stark contrast to the 75% of DUI offenders who repeat after serving their time in jail," said Representative Rokeberg. "These courts are essential to both the community and the offenders and I'm pleased that we can provide successful treatment alternatives."

Representatives Samuels and Stoltze were prime co-sponsors of HB 54 a bill to alleviate the calendaring strain on the court system. The bill changes the law to require the accused to submit in writing that new information exists for the court's consideration that was not considered at prior bail hearings. Additionally, under the new law, the district attorney is given 48 hours notice in which to notify the victim of a bail hearing. The current law requires only 24 hours notice. And finally, hearings may not be set everyday; rather there will be a 48-hour period between calendared bail hearings.

"These changes to current Alaska law are part of our continued effort to balance the rights of the accused with the rights of crime victims," said Representative Samuels.

The final bill, HB 131, deals with the growing problem of identity theft. Sponsored by Representative Stoltze, the bill increases the penalty from a class A misdemeanor to a class C felony for crimes such as theft of an access device, like a credit card or bank account number, the crime of obtaining an access device or identification document by fraudulent means and fraudulent use of an access device if the value of the property or services obtained is $50 or more.

"In addition to the actual property loss, ID theft has lingering effects on the victim that often take years to remedy. The increase in the penalties for access device and ID document crimes represents a step towards meaningful deterrence and punishment," said Representative Stoltze.

The signing ceremony took place at the Anchorage jail.

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