Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Legislature Passes Child Protection Bill

Measure Aimed at Preventing Kidnapping by Non-Custodial Parents

For Immediate Release: May 7, 1998 Contact: Rep. Con Bunde at (907) 465-4843.

Juneau - Alaska children will be safer from "kidnapping" by non-custodial parents under House Bill 335, which passed the Senate today, 19-0.

"This bill makes it illegal for a non-custodial parent to take a child out of Alaska and win custody in another state, in opposition to Alaska courts," said Representative Con Bunde (R-Anchorage), chairman of the House Health, Education and Social Services Committee, which sponsored HB 335. "It goes a long way toward reducing the incentive for parents to abuse our courts in an effort to deny rightful custody to an ex-partner."

Current Alaska law makes it possible for non-custodial parents to remove a child from Alaska and seek custody in a different state, leading to delays of months and years while the two states untangle conflicting court orders on custody, visitation, support or domestic violence prevention.

HB 335 brings Alaska law into compliance with recent revisions to the Federal Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. Under HB 335, an Alaska parent with a valid court order for custody or visitation could get quick hearings and resolution of interstate custody disputes, reducing the stress of separation and conflict on children. The bill also simplifies paperwork and timeline requirements, allowing parents to handle their case quickly and without the expense of hiring lawyers.

"I am very pleased to see the Senate and House both give this bill their unanimous approval," said House Speaker Gail Phillips (R-Homer). "As you know, child protection is a priority with the Majority Caucus. This bill, which closes a significant loophole in child custody laws, is an important part of our package of child protection legislation," Phillips said.

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