Eagle River -- Among today's release of pre-filed legislation are three anti-crime, pro-victims' rights bills sponsored by Senator Rick Halford (R-Chugiak). Halford's comprehensive crime package will toughen penalties for child murder, increase protection for victims of violent crimes and keep violent sexual predators off the street.

"In 1994, the voters of Alaska overwhelmingly affirmed the rights of victims of crime by ratifying the Victims' Rights Amendment to our Constitution," said Halford. "By making these changes, we will help empower victims in dealing with a judicial system too heavily weighted to the benefit of criminals."

• SB 2 would allow the state to seek civil commitment of violent sexual predators, giving our prosecutors a tool to keep some of the most heinous offenders off the streets.
• SB 3 would increase the mandatory minimum sentences for the murder of a child.
• SB 4, the Crime Victims' Rights and Advocacy Act of 1999, would establish the Office of Victim's Rights to help protect the rights guaranteed to victims under the Alaska Constitution.

All three of Halford's crime bills passed the Senate in 1998. Last year's versions of SB 2 and SB 3 had both received unanimous approval and were poised for final passage when the House adjourned last year.

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