Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Thursday overwhelmingly passed House Bill 34, which makes it a Class A misdemeanor to not report a completed or attempted murder, kidnapping, or sexual penetration of a child. This also includes assaults that cause serious physical injury. HB 34 passed 38-2.

"The ideal is that each and every citizen would go to the aid of a child who is being assaulted, but some citizens are intimidated by violence and might be afraid of retribution," said Representative Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River), sponsor of HB 34. "This measure sets the minimum standard of reporting the crime-in-progress to public safety officials, who would then be able to come to the child's aid.

"While we do not expect this law to be used often, it does send the message that Alaskans do not find it acceptable to stand by and do nothing when a child is being beaten, raped, or killed," Dyson said. "A few well-publicized prosecutions of flagrant violators should get the message out loud and clear that doing nothing is unacceptable in our society."

HB 34 will be reconsidered by the House before moving to the Senate.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Fred Dyson, 102 K