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Bill Signed to Make Breast & Cervical Cancer
Treatment Program Permanent

Senator Bettye Davis (D-Anchorage) speaks today at the bill signing ceremony for Senate Bill 78 which makes the breast and cervical cancer treatment program permanent. The Democrats in the House and Senate made passage of this bill a priority this session. Senator Davis and Representative Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) led the effort for the Democratic caucus.

Testimony continues tonight in the Senate Finance Committee on the operating budget.

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Rep. Crawford's bill to help protect victims of stalking passes the House

The Alaska State House of Representatives today passed critical public safety legislation to help protect victims of stalking. Currently, an individual threatened by an acquaintance or someone in his or her household can get a domestic violence protective/restraining order. When threats come from a stranger, however, the legal system affords no similar protection. House Bill 1 closes this dangerous loophole in Alaska’s anti-stalking laws.

HB1 allows victims of strangers to seek and obtain protective orders, incorporating the procedures already in place for domestic violence situations. It also requires that perpetrators covered under the bill be included in the central registry for the Department of Public Safety; this provision helps protect public safety officers in potentially dangerous situations.

Representative Crawford began work on this legislation at the request of a constituent in 2002. “This is an important day for (stalking victim) Mary Wells and other vulnerable Alaskans and families who have been victimized by stalkers,” said Crawford. “The House just made it easier for these victims to take a stand against violence and help protect themselves.”

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.