Session: State Capitol, Room 121 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-4797 Fax: (907) 465-3884 Interim: post office: 119 N. Cushman, Suite 101 Fairbanks, AK 99701-2879 location: 3340 Badger Road. North Pole, AK 99705 Phone: (907) 488-0857 Fax: (907) 488-4271

Expedited Hearings for Juveniles in Adult Facilities

(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House unanimously passed a bill today that conforms state statutes to federal guidelines setting conditions for the detention of youthful offenders following arrest, and preserves federal funds that the state receives for youth corrections.

"Federal regulations do not allow juveniles to be held in adult jails or lockups no more than 24 hours," said Sen. Gene Therriault (R-North Pole), sponsor of Senate Bill 178. "But due to the difficulty of traveling in the remote parts of Alaska, youths taken into custody in these areas often must spend more than 24 hours in an adult lock-up before they can be taken to one of Alaska's six youth detention centers."

The federal regulations allow exemptions to the 24-hour time limit when transfer is impossible due to adverse weather, limited transportation options or other conditions, but only if the juvenile receives a court hearing within 24 hours of arrest. By changing state law to make sure juveniles get a court appearance within 24 hours of being placed in an adult correctional facility, SB 178 lets the state take advantage of the time-limit exemptions.

"This single change to the statutes will ensure that juveniles are held in adult facilities no longer than absolutely necessary," said Therriault. "It will also preserve funding for youth courts, mentoring programs and other grant funded support programs that would otherwise be jeopardized."

SB 178 now goes to the governor for signature.

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Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement for SB 178
  
• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 100 K

| Sen. Therriault's Page |

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