Senate Supports Longer Sentences for Repeat Sex Offenders

Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Senator Hollis French (D-Anchorage), that will give repeat sex offenders longer sentences and require them to serve out their full terms passed the Senate on a vote of 20-0.

The bill has two purposes: first, to increase the penalties for repeat sex offenders; and second, to eliminate “good time” or reduction in time served for these offenders. SB85 establishes a separate and more stringent set of sentencing guidelines for those who commit a second or subsequent sexual offense or commit a sexual felony after a prior felony conviction. Current statutory guidelines in Alaska treat all two-time felons the same, and prior felony convictions are given equal weight when an individual is sentenced on a new offense. Research on sexual offenders has, however, clearly found that they should be dealt with differently than other types of offenders.

In addition to increasing the maximum and presumptive sentences for repeat sex offenders, SB85 would require repeat sexual offenders to serve the full length of their sentences in prison; they would not be eligible to earn “good time” or a reduction in their prison terms for good behavior. Under current law, most prisoners, including sexual offenders, can earn a one-third reduction of their sentences for good behavior.

SB 85 now goes to the House of Representatives, where a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled for Friday, May 16.

Senator Elton's Bill Helps State Employees Called to Active Duty

Senate Bill 26, introduced by Senator Kim Elton (D-Juneau), a bill which allows the governor to backfill pay and provide continuing benefits to state employees called to active duty passed unanimously on the Senate this week.

SB 26 allows the governor to make up the difference in pay and continue some or all health benefits for reservists called to active duty and their families. The bill has an immediate effective date and is retroactive to September 11, 2001.

Florida, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, Connecticut and New York have enacted similar legislation.

Senate Bill 26 now moves to the House for consideration.

Bill Limits Use of Credit Scoring by Insurance Companies

Senate Bill 13, introduced by Senators Kim Elton (D-Anchorage) and Senator John Cowdery, to limit the insurance industry’s use of credit information to determine rates and premiums passed the Senate Wednesday. The bill started out as a complete ban on the use of credit history to make insurance decisions but goes to the House of Representatives as a strong regulatory bill. The revised bill is the result of weeks of work the sponsors put in with the division of insurance and the insurance industry.

In its current form SB 13 allows insurance companies to consider credit scores when issuing new personal insurance policies. It requires them to tell the consumer that credit scoring will be used and sets limits on what items in a consumer’s credit history can be considered.

Senate Bill 13 now moves to the House for consideration, where a hearing in the House Labor and Commerce Committee is scheduled for Friday, May 16 at 3:15 PM