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Session: State Capitol, Room 118 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3777 Fax: (907) 465-2819 Send E-Mail Interim: 10928 Eagle River Road, Suite 141 Eagle River, AK 99577 Phone: (907) 694-8944 Fax: (907) 694-8945 |
Bills Provides Tougher Penalties When Children are Present
| For Immediate Release: March 1, 2000 | |
| Contact: | Representative Pete Kott at (907) 465-3777. |
Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Wednesday unanimously passed House Bill 288, a new tool in the fight against domestic violence and child abuse.
"HB 288 lets the courts be tougher on people who have been convicted of domestic violence if they committed the crime in the presence of children," said Representative Pete Kott (R-Eagle River), sponsor of HB 288. "By making the special vulnerability of these kids an aggravating factor, courts will have a further reason for adjusting sentences upward.
"Domestic violence is a scourge across our state and Alaskans are fighting back to protect the lives of the victims and the children involved," Kott said. "HB 288 recognizes that, even if children are not on the receiving end of domestic violence, they are still profoundly damaged when they witness parents or caregivers engaging in this abhorrent behavior."
HB 288 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Pete Kott, 22 K